Analysis

Rats & Responsibilities of SriLankan Airline – Prof. Samitha Hettige

In the early 1990s a wedding ceremony took place at Wijerama Mw, Colombo 07 & the road (in front of the bride’s house) was closed during the event. Media reported the groom being appointed a director at the national carrier. The other news was about his cousin, appointed to a senior position there (after the…

(0)Comments | March 5, 2024 10:13 am

Unlocking Trade Potential: How the Sri Lanka-Thailand FTA Paves the Way for Enhanced Bilateral Trade

By Dr Asanka Wijesinghe The Sri Lanka-Thailand Free Trade Agreement (SLTFTA) paves the way for lower tariffs on 85% of products between Sri Lanka and Thailand. Strategic use of uncommitted lists to restrict imports from the partner country may weaken the effectiveness of SLTFTA. The agreement opens avenues for trading new products, enhancing bilateral trade…

(0)Comments | February 29, 2024 11:28 am

The gauge of corporate sentiment remains steady albeit way short of its all-time average

Business Sentiment – Lacklustre Business Confidence The Central Bank of Sri Lanka notes that the country’s official reserve assets rose by 2.3 percent in January, reaching US$ 4,491 million from US$ 4,392 million in December. This appreciation came on the back of a US$ 1.4 billion swap facility from the People’s Bank of China. Simultaneously,…

(0)Comments | February 27, 2024 3:04 pm

Food, Agriculture & Good Friends! – By Prof. Samitha Hettige

Media sources indicated that Sri Lankans paid comparatively higher prices for vegetables & energy during January 2024. With organizational reforms, cost of electricity is expected reduce to bearable levels (for the grassroots). Indian assistance during 2022 crisis was crucial but with more energy involvements, one may see profits going elsewhere. The JVP symbolically receiving the…

(0)Comments | February 26, 2024 4:20 pm

Sri Lanka the only South Asian nation to not blacklist corrupt contractors: Verité Research

New report highlights gaps in guidelines as well as a lack of compliance Sri Lanka has the worst record among South Asian countries in blacklisting corrupt contractors in public procurement, according to a new report by Verité Research. The report shows that Sri Lanka is the only country in South Asia that 1) does not…

(0)Comments | February 19, 2024 4:51 pm

This land is Harin Fernando’s land? – By Prof. Samitha Hettige

On 23rd February 1940 Woody Guthrie first composed the folk song “This land is your land – this land is my land – from California – to the New York island” (Ref. US history). Though he says such, the Red Indians may argue that it belonged only to them from times immemorial prior to colonization….

(0)Comments | February 19, 2024 10:55 am

Opportunities and challenges in Sri Lanka’s EV eco system

As Sri Lanka stands at the cusp of a transformative shift towards electric mobility, the journey ahead is promising yet fraught with challenges. The emergence of electric vehicles (EVs) heralds a new era in transportation that promises significant environmental benefits and a potential reduction in the nation’s dependence on fossil fuels. However, fully realizing the…

(0)Comments | February 19, 2024 10:28 am

Japan unexpectedly slips into recession, Germany now world’s third-biggest economy

Reuters – Japan unexpectedly slipped into a recession at the end of last year, losing its title as the world’s third-biggest economy to Germany and raising doubts about when the central bank would begin to exit its decade-long ultra-loose monetary policy. Some analysts are warning of another contraction in the current quarter as weak demand…

(0)Comments | February 15, 2024 11:59 am

Lessons from the vision of Upali Wijewardena

By Prof. Samitha Hettige Sri Lankans born before 1970 may remember the closed economy with Dr. N.M. Perera (minister of finance during 1970 – 77). Masses marked months to buy a refrigerator or get a telephone connection. Transistor radios, light bulbs, umbrellas, wrist watches, ball-point pens & even razor blades were a luxury those days….

(0)Comments | February 12, 2024 11:12 am

Global creditors quiz ratings agencies over debt relief to the poorest

Reuters – Global creditors and Moody’s, Fitch and S&P Global Ratings met on Wednesday to discuss ratings agencies’ actions after debt relief provided by official creditors to some of the world’s poorest nations, a source said on Thursday. The meeting also discussed methodology on credit action in the event countries carry out a debt swap…

(0)Comments | February 9, 2024 12:06 pm