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Factum Perspective: Promoting Tourism in Sri Lanka – A Way Forward

By Nithu Ardithya Despite facing formidable challenges in recent years, Sri Lanka's tourism industry is experiencing a remarkable resurgence, signaling a promising future for economic recovery and growth. Tourism constitutes around 5% of the nation's GDP. In 2019, the country welcomed more than 2.5 million visitors, resulting in revenue exceeding USD 4 billion. In April…

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Factum Special Perspective: Russia Faces Polls in March

By Aavin Abeydeera In March 2024, the Russian Federation will hold its eighth presidential election. More than 114 million registered voters are expected to cast their ballot in choosing their next executive president. Of course, these elections are set to the backdrop of several key sociopolitical events, with the Russo-Ukrainian War at the forefront. Amongst…

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Factum Perspective: India’s Contemporary Geopolitical Landscape

By Amantha Gunarathna With a burgeoning population, a robust if tumultuous democratic system, and a thriving technology sector, India has positioned itself as a key player on the world stage. The country's proactive foreign policy, regional leadership initiatives, and engagement in multilateral forums contribute to its rising prominence. As a bridge between East and West,…

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Factum Perspective: Women’s Rights, Sexual Offenses, and Violence against Women in Sri Lanka and South Asia

By Britney Martil The spotlight on women's rights and the pervasive issue of violence against women has grown exponentially since the mid-1990s. Recognized as a formidable obstacle to equality, development, and peace, violence against women is deeply entrenched in historical inequalities between men and women. At both international and national levels, unprecedented attention has been…

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Factum Special Perspective: The Role of International Fellowships in Bridging Knowledge Gaps and Spurring Entrepreneurship

By Tahira Sheriff In a world brimming with challenges, the power of unity, collaboration, and shared purpose shines ever more brightly. Such is the saga of my journey through the Professional Fellowship Exchange Program organized by the US Department of State. Over five weeks, I figured among 20 exceptional fellows from Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, India,…

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Factum Special Perspective: Politics, economics, and S. B. D. de Silva

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…

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Factum Perspective: Right to Life in the Sri Lankan Constitution – Potentials and Possibilities

By Lakmali Bhagya Manamperi In Sri Lanka, the right to life had long been waiting for constitutional recognition. Only last year, with the most recent constitutional change, did Sri Lanka recognize the inalienable, unrestricted right to life. However, there has been no substantive discussion about this development. The rhetoric needs to be brought to limelight,…

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Factum Perspective: The impact of Vesak on international relations

By Vinod Moonesinghe The festival of Vesak celebrates the birth, enlightenment (nibbana), and demise (Parinibbana) of Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha, also known as Sakyamuni Buddha. It may be compared to a combined festival of Christmas, the Theophany, and Easter for Christians, or the Prophet's birthday, Hajj, and Ramazan for Muslims. Also known as Buddha Day,…

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