The barometer of biz confidence finds a footing but the outlook remains guarded From upbeat growth forecasts and IMF bouquets, to strengthening reserves and a substantial US tariff reduction, the past month has been positive for economic developments here at home. The economy is seemingly on course for a rebound with some forecasts suggesting that…
By Jithendra Antonio The recent firestorm surrounding e-cigarette use among Sri Lanka’s youth has ignited a critical policy debate in Sri Lanka. So, what’s really at stake here? Protecting our youth is and must always remain a national priority. Yet, regulators and policymakers must resist knee-jerk prohibitionist responses, as any proposed solutions must be evidence-based,…
The European Union’s Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) takes effect on 30 December 2025. This regulation aims to prevent deforestation associated with seven commodities—cattle, cocoa, coffee, palm oil, soy, wood, and natural rubber—and products derived from them, such as tyres, chocolate, and wooden furniture. Any product exported to the EU market must be deforestation-free, legally produced according…
Comrade Ajith Kumara tried system change at the Parliament with grenades in 1987 & during the commotion Minister Keerthi Abeywickrema paid the price & Minister Athulathmudali lost his spleen (Ref. Media). Ajith who later settled in Matale must be happy as the people democratically granted his wish in 2024. Ranil Wickremasinghe who witnessed Ajith’s attempt…
By Prof. Samitha Hettige. One might say Basil Rajapaksa & Ranil Wickremasinghe are unique in political gambling. Gambling is believed to be one of mankind’s oldest activities. The Greek word for justice (dike) comes from a word meaning “to throw,” in the sense of throwing dice. Gambling was regulated in; ancient China, Rome, the Jewish Talmud,…
Sri Lanka’s export sector has demonstrated remarkable resilience and steady momentum during the first seven months of 2025, with total exports reaching US$ 9,992.53 Mn, marking a robust 7.79 % growth compared to the corresponding period in 2024. In July 2025 alone, total exports, comprising both merchandise and services reached to US$ 1,641.11 Mn, recording…
Sri Lanka’s labor market showed significant signs of recovery in the first quarter of 2025, with the unemployment rate dropping to a historic low of 3.8%, according to the latest Quarterly Report from the Department of Census and Statistics (DCS). This marks a notable improvement from 4.5% in the same period last year and reflects…
At a time when China is getting ready for the 15th five year plan which will take China towards its 2nd Centenary goal (the Xiaokang), the leader of the 2nd largest economy of the world Chinese President Xi Jinping has reaffirmed his fundamental vision of putting his people first & not capital. During 2024, 70%…
Concerns raised by the business community in June appear to have been short-lived with sentiment shifting once again in July. THE ECONOMY The latest LMD-PEPPERCUBE Business Confidence Index (BCI) survey, conducted in the first week of July, reveals a notable surge in optimism about the economy. A substantial 70 percent of respondents believe the economy will…
A $2.5 Billion Dice Roll Attracting the Subcontinent’s Ultra-Rich to the Vegas of South Asia By Jithendra Antonio In a transformative declaration that reverberates through South Asia’s economic corridors, gaming tycoon Lawrence Ho’s recent bold proclamation at the August 2025 launch of the US $1.2 billion City of Dreams Sri Lanka has crystallized what many…
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