Category: Opinion
Unveiling the Silent Stakeholder: The Call for Farm Animal Welfare in Sustainability Reporting
A ground-breaking study by researchers Saviesha Samaraweera and Isuru Manawadu from the University of Sri Jayewardenepura sheds light on an overlooked dimension of corporate responsibility in Sri Lanka. Farm animal welfare (FAW) is a pressing ethical concern within the global food industry, yet it remains glaringly absent in many corporate sustainability reports. In Sri Lanka, […]
Opinion: Good Governance – The People’s Expectations from Sri Lanka’s New Government
By Uddeepa Peiris Sri Lanka’s new government and cabinet, ushered in with promises of change and progress, face the crucial task of meeting public expectations for good governance. After years of political and economic instability, Sri Lankans demand a transparent, accountable, and people-centric administration that can drive the nation toward sustainable development. Drawing lessons from […]
Opinion: US Election Outcomes and Trade Policy Changes – What It Means for Sri Lanka
By Dr Asanka Wijesinghe Now that the United States (US) election has concluded, what direction will the US’s trade policy be headed? This is one of the burning questions that many of its trading partners are asking in the aftermath of the presidential election. A costly trade war was the outcome of the tariff hikes in […]
Opinion: Sri Lanka’s Current Nutrition Challenges – How Can They Be Addressed?
By Dr Pulasthi Amarasinghe Sri Lanka is reaching a critical point as a result of poor access to affordable, nutritious food. Nutritional security has taken a backseat to simply meeting basic calorie requirements. The nutritional landscape can significantly improve through shifts in tobacco and alcohol expenditure to food without solely relying on major macroeconomic transformations. Appropriate […]
Opinion: Sri Lanka’s Financial Revival – Creating Markets That Attract, Engage, and Prosper
By Jithendra Antonio Sri Lanka, emerging from economic upheaval, the nation’s capital markets hold unprecedented promise, not only for financial gains but as a catalyst for national growth, resilience, and global integration. While this potential is clear, challenges like limited liquidity, shallow market structures, and a need for investor trust remain key barriers. To transform […]
Opinion: Ruwan Wijewardene – UNP Unity Candidate
November 10, 2024 (LBO) – Parliamentary elections are just days away, and a common theme I have heard over the last few days is that many people don’t know who to vote for. After Sri Lanka’s monumental 2024 presidential election, which brought NPP leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake (AKD) to power, there seems to have developed […]
Opinion: Foreign Direct Investment Opportunities in Sri Lanka – A Sector-by-Sector Analysis
Introduction Sri Lanka is at a pivotal moment in its economic development journey, with a fresh political climate following recent elections and numerous policy reforms aimed at bolstering foreign direct investment (FDI). The government has unveiled an agenda that actively encourages international partnerships across key sectors, positioning Sri Lanka as a prime investment destination in […]
Opinion: Towards a Corruption-Free Sri Lanka to Save Billions
By Jithendra Antonio In a country where corruption has long infiltrated both public and private sectors, Sri Lanka approaches a critical juncture, where decisions today will echo for generations. Embedding a robust procurement system is more than a policy fix—it’s a seismic shift that could redefine governance and economic growth. This article explores how a […]
Opinion: Sri Lanka could be positioned as a New Haven for Global Talent in a Time of Conflict
By Jithendra Antonio In a world increasingly fragmented by geopolitical conflict, Sri Lanka has a remarkable opportunity to establish itself as a sanctuary for global talent and displaced professionals. Spanning over 65,000 square kilometers with a GDP of $74 billion at present, this island nation can strategically leverage its location and legal framework to attract […]
Opinion: A Low Productivity Trap? Strengthening Skills, Jobs & Public Sector Efficiency in Sri Lanka
By Himani Vithanage Sri Lanka experienced six consecutive quarters of negative economic growth up to the third quarter of 2023. This downturn has had a direct impact on the labour market, leading to lower wage rates and discouraging workforce participation and skill development. As a result, productivity levels continue to fall, creating a vicious cycle […]
Opinion: VAT Hike in Sri Lanka: Who Really Pays the Price?
By Priyanka Jayawardena Earlier this year, Sri Lanka introduced major changes to the Value Added Tax (VAT) system. The VAT rate increased from 15% to 18%, and tax exemptions were removed for 97 items, including essential goods such as gas and stationery. While these revisions aimed to boost government revenue, they have also significantly increased […]
Opinion: What More Can SL’s Government Do? Strategies to Solidify Economic Progress Post-Elections
By Uddeepa Peiris What More Can Sri Lanka’s Government Do? Strategies to Solidify Economic Progress Post-Elections While the recent presidential elections in Sri Lanka have set a positive tone for the country’s economic and political landscape, there is still significant work to be done to build on this momentum. The government’s initial focus on anti-corruption, […]