By Kanishka Goonewardena
“Capitalism is nothing if not the displacement of politics by economics.”
This provocation by Fredric Jameson, the leading Marxist critic in the US, offers a fine insight with which to aim for some clarity amidst the confusion concerning the present crisis of Sri Lanka – which the Aragalaya has revealed, but…
By Britney Martil
The X-Press Pearl disaster, which unfolded on May 20, 2021, near the coast of Sri Lanka, stands as a harrowing event with profound consequences that have reverberated across multiple fronts. This maritime catastrophe has sparked significant developments in recent times, drawing attention to the gravity of the incident and emphasizing the pressing…
By Sanja de Silva Jayatilleka
South Africa will be hosting the 15th BRICS summit this year from August 22 to 24, under the theme “Partnership for Mutually Accelerated Growth, Sustainable Development and Inclusive Multilateralism.” South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa, addressing his National Assembly in this context, said that a strategic priority for his country was…
By Deshani Samaragunarathna
ألا هو لا دان (Ala ho la dan)
Look who we are, we are the dreamers - We make it happen 'cause we believe it Look who we are, we are the dreamers - We make it happen 'cause we can see it
Here's to the ones that keep the passion…
Read Part I of this article here.
By Kasun Thilina Kariyawasam
In general, Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) can help businesses and individuals engage in international trade and investment, by providing a stable, regulated, and transparent currency that mitigates some of the risks associated with cross-border transactions.
CBDCs for firms
A CBDC can help…
Read Part II of this article here.
By Kasun Thilina Kariyawasam
In a survey conducted by the Bank for International Settlements (BIS) in 2021, 90% of Central Banks said they were exploring Central Bank Digital Currencies or CBDCs, with 54% considering issuing one within six years.
With its CBDC – the digital renminbi…
Read this article in Tamil: vidiyal.lk/post/--2812
By P. K. Balachandran
India-Sri Lanka relations are undoubtedly at their best now, thanks to India’s timely and generous assistance to its financially-beleaguered southern neighbor. But in the past 75 years or more, bilateral relations have been overwhelmingly troubled. Therefore, the million-dollar question now is: Will India’s help…
By Kasun Thilina Kariyawasam
“The dollar is our currency, but it's your problem.”
John Connally, US Treasury Secretary, 1971
In the post-COVID global economy, Emerging Markets were hit with a double-whammy downward spiral. Even prior to the pandemic, Emerging Markets (EMs) were struggling with high inflation, lack of investment, unemployment, and other issues.
Then COVID-19…
By Kasun Thilina Kariyawasam
A total of USD 1,737.2 billion has been invested in the sovereign debt of emerging markets over the last 12 years. As a result of the high interest rates, emerging markets (EMs) paid 63% of the total interest on the bonds. Since 2020, Argentina, Zambia, and Sri Lanka have defaulted on…
By P. K. Balachandran
Set up in 1997, the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) is an inter-governmental organization aimed at strengthening regional cooperation and sustainable development in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). It is also meant to help member countries meet the many challenges posed by climate change.
The IORA has 23 Member States and…
By Uditha Devapriya
The Sri Lankan government has tasked the Lakshman Kadirgamar Institute to conduct a review of the country’s foreign relations. While officials have not yet come out with details, the review is set to include a reconsideration of Sri Lanka’s ties with various countries, in light of recent international developments. The Executive Director…
By P. K. Balachandran
On the face of it, opting for “strategic autonomy” in a multi-polar world makes sense. It releases a country from the shackles of pre-existing alliances and enables it to take its decisions independently. It enables a country to navigate among antagonistic international groups and strike the best bilateral bargains. In the…