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…
The Value Added Tax (VAT) imposed to prevent social conflicts in the long run is creating conflicts at the lower levels of the society. Attempts to block the increasing of state revenue (especially in a welfare state) may indicate many intentions. While the silent majority is struggling to adjust for a ‘Collective Sacrifice’ few seems…
Fitch Ratings: Economic growth in APAC will generally remain strong in 2024, especially in emerging markets (EMs), supporting sector outlooks across the region, says Fitch Ratings. We expect real GDP to expand by, or above, 5% in India, Indonesia, the Philippines and Vietnam. However, headwinds from slower Chinese growth, weak global demand and higher interest…
The Financial Stability Review (FSR) of 2023 encapsulates the developments in the financial system, the risks and vulnerabilities identified thereof, and the policy measures taken by the Central Bank and other regulatory institutions in addressing such risks during the review period, which primarily covers data up to end September 2023. The electronic version of the…
By Prof. Samitha Hettige In 2023 the Earth community celebrated the 23rd anniversary of human presence in Space Stations. Space explorations started in the 1960s with goals of resolving human conflicts connected with settlements etc. USA & USSR were the front runners & Russia, Japan, China & India etc. contributed later. By now some have…
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