By Seneka Abeyratne
Sri Lankans have received two massive shocks in recent years. The first was the COVID-19 global pandemic of 2020. The second was the economic collapse of 2022, resulting in debt default, a drastic devaluation of the currency, rampant inflation, and a severe shortage of essential goods including food, fuel, cooking gas, and…
By Abishek Ranjan
The economic condition of the Northern Province does not receive as much attention as the political situation in the region. The Northern Province, which comprises five districts, has a poor economic record compared to other provinces of Sri Lanka.
Elections have only served to undermine these issues, since both mainstream and minority…
By Ramindu Perera
“Is there any reason why we in India should inherit the age-long rivalry of England against Russia? That is based on the greed and covetousness of British imperialism and our interests surely lie in ending this imperialism and not in supporting and strengthening it”
Jawaharlal Nehru (1929)
The recent meeting between Indian…
By Aakil Riyaz
News outlets were recently in a frenzy over Putin’s recent visit to North Korea. Reports of a pact between the Russian premier Vladimir Putin and the supreme leader of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) initially led to much speculation.
These rumors were not without a basis. It was later revealed…
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…
By Rumeth Jayasinghe
“Blood is thicker than water. It was natural for India to see what it could do to stand by Sri Lanka at this very difficult time”
S. Jaishankar
Sri Lanka’s relations with India go back a long way. The first inklings of trade consolidated economic, cultural, and religious ties in both countries.…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
By Flavia Gunarathna
In a significant stride towards economic revitalization, Thailand and Sri Lanka signed a Free Trade Agreement (FTA), marking an important moment in diplomatic and economic relations between the two nations. As Sri Lanka grapples with its worst financial crisis in decades, the FTA is anticipated to play a crucial role in fostering…