The barometer of corporate sentiment comes under pressure amid multiple sensitivities The Annual Policy Statement 2024 claims that the nation has confronted its most challenging economic and societal difficulties in the post-independence era in recent years. It states that policy measures have played a pivotal role in restoring stability – albeit at a socioeconomic cost….
Advocata’s Bath Curry Indicator (BCI) which is a price-index that tracks the monthly changes in the retail price of a basket of commonly consumed food items using prices collected from the Pettah market (by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka), recorded a year-on-year increase of 33.72% in December 2023, compared to the same corresponding period…
By Rohan Parikh In the intricate case of Sri Lanka’s economic rejuvenation, the recent surge in the Value Added Tax (VAT) to 18 percent, coupled with the removal of certain industries from the exemptions list, has emerged as a focal point for concern among foreign investors assessing the country’s economic climate. This shift, occurring within…
By Prof. Samitha Hettige In few days the year of the ‘Dragon’ will dawn in China. In China the Dragon (loong) culture has a history of approx 5500 to 7000 years. The emergences of these practices are connected to nature worship. Social productivity during this period had been low. Primitive religions had prevailed & people…
Written for International Day of Education on 24 January 2024. This blog explores how technological resources can help fill gaps in access and reduce inequalities in education in Sri Lanka. Despite the recent uptake of educational technology (edtech) in Sri Lanka, it does not cater to the needs of diverse groups of vulnerable children in…
Spanish word ‘Flamencos’ is used to indicate ‘Gypsy like’ personalities but the commonly used word for “Gypsy” in Spanish is ‘Gitano’. It is altered like the English word ‘Gypsy’ from the word ‘Egyptian’ meaning a native or inhabitant of Egypt (Ref.Webster). Egyptian President Abdel Sisi secured a 3rd term as the head of Middle East’s most populous nation…
President JRJ said wisdom isn’t a flower to be plucked but a mountain one has to climb. He called him a practicing Buddhist. There may be Sri Lankans who are practicing Buddhists. When practiced, one may develop a; thick skin, smart brain & even an elastic heart. In post 1948 Sri Lanka, President MR is…
Introduction Remittances carry vast economic implications for recipient countries at both macro and micro levels. The choice to send remittances through formal channels such as banks, registered money transfer operators, and online platforms, as opposed to informal avenues like Hawala/Undiyal operators or family networks, plays a pivotal role in achieving positive outcomes for migrants, their…
By Prof. Anura Wijayapala A common unfortunate experience shared by Sri Lankans is being exposed to clouds of unpleasant emissions from internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. This is a growing challenge, especially considering Sri Lanka’s ageing vehicle fleets. Accordingly, 70% of Sri Lanka’s total air pollution is attributed to the transport sector. According to statistics…
New $4.5 bn Sinopec deal comes amid debt restructuring, BRI lending shift HONG KONG — Surging investment from China, including a multibillion dollar oil project late last year, is leaving a giant question mark over Sri Lanka even as it tries to restructure towering debt and recover from its worst economic crisis as an independent…
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