Protecting the Poor is an Urgent Necessity
Sri Lanka’s poverty rate has more than doubled over the past four years from 11 percent in 2019 to almost 26 percent in 2023. This means that more than a quarter of…
Development
Reforming Welfare from Dependency to Reciprocal Dignity
Sri Lanka stands at a pivotal moment in its social development. After weathering a profound economic crisis and decades of welfare policies that have created complex patterns of dependency, the nation must…
Dealing with Sri Lanka’s Two Systems
James Edition Since colonisation of Ceylon by the British, we had two systems: the native social system with strong cultural and religious orientation and the colonial system with British cultural (including educational),…
Trump Tariffs Expose Sri Lanka’s Uncompetitive Trade Policy
The recent imposition of tariffs on trade by the US on Sri Lankan exports is a wake up call. While concerns about the bilateral US-Sri Lanka trade imbalance have been noted, a…
Tackling the Scourge of Corruption
Sri Lanka was ranked as the 121st least corrupt nation out of 180 countries according to the 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index reported by Transparency International. Sri Lanka scored a 32 on a…
Protecting and Preserving the Environment Against All Odds
Sri Lanka’s future is interwoven with the fate of its natural habitats. The country must act now to preserve its rich biodiversity. The fate of its forests, wildlife and, by extension, its…
Israeli Tourists Spark Tensions in Arugam Bay
Arugam Bay, once an idyllic and peaceful coastal town in the southeast, is facing growing tensions as the number of Israeli tourists, particularly those with military connections, continues to rise. The influx…
Is the 2025 Budget Workable for Women?
reliefweb “ The government’s 2025 budget, introduced under a new administration with progressive ideologies, claims to prioritize gender equality and women’s empowerment. With gender focused allocations, it outlines initiatives to improve women’s…
Budget 2025 – A Perspective
The 2025 budget, presented by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, aims to drive economic recovery and fiscal consolidation following a severe financial crisis. The budget targets a deficit of 6.7% of GDP, slightly…
The Fight for Land Rights
Land is an important component of any Sri Lankan household. A considerable proportion of the rural population continues to be dependent on arable land as a source of livelihood and income; in…
Reimagining Education in Sri Lanka – Part 3
Every weekday morning in cities and towns across the globe, a familiar ritual unfolds. Millions of young people file into classrooms, sit in neat rows and organize their days into precisely timed…
On the US Foreign Assistance Pause
US President Donald Trump has ordered a 90 day pause on all foreign assistance and aid programmes, with a few exceptions. The pause is supposedly for the US government to take an…
Why Sri Lanka Should Not Pursue Nuclear Energy
The discussion surrounding the potential adoption of nuclear energy by Sri Lanka has gained traction in recent months. The NPP government has expressed support for integrating nuclear energy into the country’s long…
Reimagining Education in Sri Lanka – Part 1
Sri Lanka stands at a critical juncture in its development journey. The new government’s policy framework, “A Thriving Nation, A Beautiful Life,” correctly identifies education as fundamental to national revival and economic…
It’s the Party, Stupid: Sri Lanka’s Political Turnaround – Part 1
It is not quite a miracle. But it is certainly a very impressive turnaround. From around 1970 until 2021, Sri Lanka seemed to be on an irreversible track toward steadily worsening governance:…
