Pakistan’s total external debt stocks owed to China has surged from $7.6 billion in 2016 to $26.5 billion in 2022 Debt owed by various countries, especially in South Asia and Africa, to China has multiplied in recent years. China is either the sole or the major lender for the majority of these countries. In other…
By Dr Kiruthika Natarajan, Dr Manoj Thibbotuwawa, and Dr Suresh Babu Protein consumption of the Sri Lankans who are recovering from the economic crisis has been severely affected by their food coping strategies. Pulses, which are high in the quality and quantity of protein, make up only 8% of the nation’s protein intake. Sri Lanka…
Fitch Ratings: Fitch Ratings believes a sustained period of US dollar (USD) strength against emerging market (EM) currencies could weigh on some EM sovereign credit profiles, potentially softening the current positive ratings momentum for EMs. Most at risk in such a scenario – which does not form part of our base case for 2024-2025 –…
According to a new market research report titled, ‘Electric Scooters Market by Vehicle Type (Electric Motorcycles, E-Kick scooters & Bikes, Electric Mopeds), Power Output (Less Than 3.6kW, 3.6kW to 7.2kW), Battery Technology, Motor Type, Charging Type, End-user, and Geography—Forecast to 2031′, the electric scooters market is projected to reach $408.1 billion by 2031 from an estimated $103.5 billion in 2024, at a…
Politics and economics are concepts that are fundamentally intertwined. Yet the unprecedented economic crisis of 2022 highlighted the complex challenges of aligning short-term political goals with long-term economic strategies. While the sharp appreciation of the Sri Lankan rupee in recent months has been roundly welcomed by most sectors of society as a positive signal, this…
Labourers are skilled or unskilled persons who work in plantations, services or factories. They are wage earners who’s only possession of significant material value is their labour (Ref. Labour analysis). In (many) countries with multi party politics they are used to ignite conflicts using financial & social reasons such as caste. It’s not clear if…
Business confidence strengthens for a second month but the horizon remains overcast Sri Lanka faces a tight deadline to finalise agreements with creditors including bondholders to coincide with the anticipated disbursement of the third tranche of the IMF’s Extended Fund Facility (EFF). The next instalment of US$ 337 million is scheduled for June, following the…
Uma- Oya multipurpose project commenced paying back. Political sources note JVP leader AKD being a pioneer to propose development with waters of Uma Oya but when Mahinda walked the talk with the Iranians, those who only talk weren’t happy (ref media). Since SL wasn’t a democracy even under the British, implementing projects for the good…
State of the Budget Report estimates 14% shortfall in revenue against budget projection Sri Lanka is projected to fall short of its budget target on revenue to GDP (gross domestic product) for the 33rd consecutive year in 2024, according to the recently released ‘State of the Budget Report 2024’. The State of the Budget Report…
While SL was still a British colony legendary Sri Lankan Engineer T.S. Jinasena (of Jinasena Engineering est. 1905) assembled the first ever racing car in SL (The Magpie) & became the first Sri Lankan to set a record at the ‘Mahagasthota’ Hill Climb (1939). With support from his sons Nihal, Rohan, Ranjith & Tissa he…
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