Analysis

VAT surge threatens Sri Lanka’s housing and foreign investments

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…

(0)Comments | January 26, 2024 10:49 am

‘Rebuilding Trust’ in the Election Year!

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…

(0)Comments | January 24, 2024 12:23 pm

Edtech for Marginalised Children in Sri Lanka: Insights from MENA and Other Asian Countries

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…

(0)Comments | January 24, 2024 12:05 pm

Lost Flamencos Sri Lankans? – By Prof. Samitha Hettige

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…

(0)Comments | January 17, 2024 2:05 pm

TINs, Thick Skins & Elastic Hearts! – By Prof. Samitha Hettige

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…

(0)Comments | January 9, 2024 12:05 pm

Understanding Informal Remittances During a Crisis: Experience from Sri Lanka

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…

(0)Comments | January 5, 2024 9:50 am

Can EVs be a win-win for Sri Lanka’s transportation industry?

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…

(0)Comments | January 5, 2024 6:18 am

Sri Lanka’s China ‘debt trap’ fears grow as Beijing keeps investing

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…

(0)Comments | January 4, 2024 3:00 pm

Winds & Rains inevitable but Opportunities in 2024! – By Prof. Samitha Hettige

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…

(0)Comments | January 4, 2024 10:53 am

Economic Tailwinds Supportive for Many APAC Sector Outlooks

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…

(0)Comments | January 3, 2024 11:45 am