Factum Perspectives

170 articles published

BRICS, Global Equity, and De-Dollarization

Health and Economic Cooperation, International Development, Regional GeopoliticsJune 23, 20241KViews 0Likes 0Comments

By Natasha Gooneratne Imagine this: A developing country is in the midst of its most complicated economic crisis. Unemployment levels are rising, but not as precipitously as Inflation. Foreign currency coffers in national banks are as good as empty. As are fuel and gas reserves. International financial agencies have come knocking, they’re not happy about…

Factum Perspective: Forging Digital and Maritime Futures

Climate and environment, Health and Economic Cooperation, International Development, Maritime Security, Science and TechnologyJune 9, 2024778Views 0Likes 0Comments

By Flavia Gunarathna In a series of diplomatic and technological engagements, Sri Lanka seems to be taking strides towards enhancing its digital and maritime infrastructure. During his official visit to Indonesia, President Ranil Wickremesinghe held discussions with Indonesian officials and Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and SpaceX. These meetings, occurring amidst the backdrop of the…

Factum Special Perspective: India Goes to the Polls

Peace and Conflict, Regional GeopoliticsJune 6, 2024887Views 0Likes 0Comments

By Aavin Abeydeera On June 1, the world’s largest democratic exercise came to a close. India’s general elections ran for seven weeks through six weeks from the April 19 to June 1, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led NDA coalition once more coming on top. However, this time around, Prime Minister Modi’s government will not…

Factum Perspective: All the President’s Men – New Institutions in the Economic Transformation Bill

Health and Economic CooperationJune 2, 2024951Views 0Likes 0Comments

By Sanja de Silva Jayatilleka The recent gazette on Economic Transformation, Part II of May 10, 2024, includes several brand-new “incorporated” institutions with unprecedented power and new lines of authority, as well as an ultra-powerful roaming ambassadorship, to promote investment in Sri Lanka. Significantly, they all seem to come under the direct control of the…

Factum Special Perspective: Deconstructing Iran after Raisi

Peace and Conflict, Regional GeopoliticsMay 22, 2024905Views 1Like 0Comments

By Uditha Devapriya At the time of his death on May 19, in a helicopter crash that has yet to be fully investigated, Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi had risen through the ranks. Sanctioned by the West and nicknamed the “Butcher of Tehran” for his uncompromising attitude to protesters, he was seen as the successor to…

Factum Perspective: Sport and Economics – Driving Growth in Sri Lanka

Sports DiplomacyMay 19, 20242KViews 2Likes 0Comments

By Suhas Jayalath Although it remains underexplored if not unexplored, one of the major ways investors can look into spurring growth in Sri Lanka is through sports. The industry's rapid ascent, and its growing value, is one of the main benefits of investing in sports. Sports have become more commercialized as a result of the…

Factum Perspective: Sri Lanka in the Digital Silk Road

Health and Economic Cooperation, International Development, Tech CooperationMay 5, 20241KViews 0Likes 0Comments

By Kasun Thilina Kariyawasam Many people have benefited from the ancient Chinese silk road, which connected large parts of the world. When we think of the Silk Road, we immediately think of silk, porcelain, and various precious stones. However, the Silk Road was also a route for countries to share knowledge and technology. Cotton weaving…

Factum Perspective: Navigating the Crosscurrents – Iran, Sri Lanka, and the US

Health and Economic Cooperation, International Development, Regional GeopoliticsApril 28, 2024941Views 0Likes 0Comments

By Britney Martil Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi's visit to Sri Lanka marks a significant milestone. The inauguration of the Uma Oya Multipurpose Project, a hydro power project supported by Iran, symbolizes the potential for further collaboration in energy generation and infrastructure. Despite challenges like funding delays, the completion of the project underscored a sustained dedication…

Factum Perspective: The relevance of Aung San Suu Kyi

Peace and Conflict, Regional GeopoliticsApril 21, 2024782Views 0Likes 0Comments

By Uditha Devapriya In the face of growing unrest, turmoil, and chaos, the military junta governing Myanmar decided last week to move Aung San Suu Kyi – the democratically elected leader ousted in a coup in 2021 – into house arrest. The decision stemmed ostensibly from concerns over her health: Suu Kyi is 78, and…

Factum Perspective: Kachchativu and the Real Issue

Maritime Security, Peace and Conflict, Regional GeopoliticsApril 10, 20241KViews 0Likes 0Comments

By P. K. Balachandran There is hullabaloo in India over the tiny and uninhabited Kachchativu island in the Palk Strait. It was triggered earlier this month by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is also the supremo of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). To everyone’s surprise, Modi accused the opposition Congress party of giving…

Factum Perspective: The Environmental Implications of Adani’s Entry

Climate and environment, Health and Economic Cooperation, International DevelopmentMarch 31, 20241KViews 0Likes 0Comments

By Amantha Gunarathna Adani Group's recent announcement of a USD 750 million investment in Sri Lanka's power sector seemingly marks a significant stride towards bolstering the country's energy infrastructure. This investment underscores the growing recognition of the importance of transitioning towards sustainable energy sources globally. However, amidst the optimism, scrutiny arises concerning Adani's track record…

Factum Perspective: The Philippines Takes a Stand in the South China Sea

Maritime Security, Peace and Conflict, Regional GeopoliticsMarch 17, 20241KViews 0Likes 0Comments

By Minoli Gunarathna The South China Sea has long been a simmering pot of territorial disputes, with multiple countries laying claim to various islands, reefs, and maritime features. Recently, tensions have flared between the Philippines and China, with the Philippine Senate passing the Maritime Zones Bill. This aims to solidify the Philippines' claims in the…