Category: Watch Tower
Sri Lanka’s Economy, Hare or Tortoise?
By Jekhan Aruliah I was listening to a very eloquent speaker on YouTube. He commented, as our public speakers often do, that we in Sri Lanka are a blessed nation. Blessed with abundant natural assets, our forests and beaches etc, and copious human talents. And yet this blessed nation is chronically poor and in 2022 […]
‘s Trade Winds – Navigating the Currents of Climate Change
By Imesha Dissanayake Introduction Sri Lanka known for its biodiversity and strategic location, is increasingly challenged by the global climate crisis. With rising temperatures, extreme weather, and sea-level rise, the country faces disruptions across key economic sectors, particularly agriculture, tourism, and manufacturing. This article explores how trade policies can integrate climate action to transform vulnerabilities […]
Opinion: From Tea to Tech – Can Sri Lanka Break Free from the Consumption Trap?
By Jithendra Antonio Sri Lanka’s economy feels like it’s stuck in a time loop. For decades, the same cycle has repeated—export raw materials, import finished goods, rely on tourism, and hope domestic spending plugs the gaps. But here’s the hard truth: this model is running on fumes. With $8 billion trade deficits, soaring inflation, and […]
Opinion: Sri Lanka’s Maritime Revolution – A Must-Do Strategy to Unlock Global Trade Power
By Jithendra Antonio Navigating a New Era in Global Trade Sri Lanka, an island that has stood as a strategic maritime crossroads for millennia, now finds itself at the cusp of a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, the chance to once again redefine its role in global commerce. With its perfect position at the heart of international sea […]
Opinion: Women’s Empowerment Through Livelihood Development – A Sri Lankan Perspective
By Nirmala Jayasundara When Lakshmi, a fictional character representing the many women in Sri Lanka, began selling vegetables from her home garden at the local market, she didn’t just supplement her family’s income, she sparked a transformation. This illustrative example reflects the broader trend of how women across Sri Lanka are taking charge of their […]
Opinion: Untold Lessons – Economic Insights from History for Sri Lanka’s Crisis
by M. Rizwan Muzzammil With a new government in power, Sri Lanka finds itself grappling with immense economic challenges. The burden of enormous debts continues to weigh heavily on a fragile economy, necessitating robust growth to overcome these hardships. However, achieving such growth is complicated by a governmental predisposition toward centralised economic control, rooted in […]
Opinion: Breaking Free from Tradition – How Sri Lanka Can Forge an Innovative Future in Education
By Jithendra Antonio In a rapidly evolving landscape marked by relentless technological advancement, the education system of Sri Lanka faces a pivotal moment of transformation. The traditional academic model, long established as the cornerstone of the country’s education framework, is struggling to keep pace with the dynamic needs of modern society. But the way forward […]
“If it doesn’t kill you, it makes you stronger” Jaffna’s 3AxisLabs’ journey into Artificial Intelligence.
By Jekhan Aruliah “If it doesn’t kill you, it makes you stronger”. This slogan could have been written for Artificial Intelligence. Actually it was coined over a hundred years ago by the nineteenth century German philosopher Nietzche. Coined at a time when intelligent robots were the stuff of science fiction and baloney. Nowadays the upsides […]
SLIIT Northern Uni, ICT and Business Management Degrees in Jaffna
By Jekhan Aruliah I often walk past the SLIIT Northern Uni building in Jaffna at the junction of Arasadi and Palaly Road on my way from my place to Jaffna Town. I watched last year, 2023, with great interest as the foundations were laid, the columns and slabs were poured, the glass was fitted. There […]
GSP+: Can It Drive Inclusive Growth In Sri Lanka?
By Rashmi Anupama, Chaya Dissanayake, and Dr Asanka Wijesinghe In a mid-October 2024 meeting with the European Union (EU) Ambassador, Sri Lanka reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening trade relations with the EU, particularly highlighting the role of the GSP+ programme in boosting Sri Lankan exports. This discussion underscores the significance of the GSP+, which offers […]
Opinion: A Missed Opportunity – Why Harsha De Silva Could Have Been the Ideal Opposition Leader
By Chethana Ranathunga and Yasu-e Karunaratne Edussuriya A coalition that previously held only three seats has achieved a sweeping victory in Sri Lanka’s recent parliamentary elections. The Janata Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) led National People’s Power (NPP) coalition now controls over two-thirds of the legislature, a historic outcome unprecedented in Sri Lankan parliamentary history. This political […]
Opinion: From Guesswork to Governance – How Data-Driven Policy Can Transform Sri Lanka’s Future
By Jithendra Antonio Amidst the sweeping wave of digital transformation, Sri Lanka stands at a consequential inflection point. While government decisions often rely on experience and tradition, the power of data can unlock solutions grounded in real-time evidence, directly addressing the needs of the people. Data-driven governance has proven transformative globally streamlining services, tackling corruption, […]