Category: Opinion
Opinion: We Have a Plan to Collect More Rupees. Where Is the Plan to Earn More Dollars?
Better tax collection strengthens Government finances. But lasting economic security also depends on what Sri Lanka can earn from the world. By Eng. Lalith Kahatapitiya Sri Lanka has announced a strategy to raise Government tax revenue to at least 17% of GDP by 2031. This is welcome. Stronger public finances, lower borrowing needs and reliable […]
Beyond Economic Stability: Bridging the Gap Between Recovery and Household Prosperity
“The test of our progress is not whether we add more to the abundance of those who have much; it is whether we provide enough for those who have too little.” — Franklin D. Roosevelt, Second Inaugural Address, 20 January 1937. By Prof. Asoka.S.Seneviratne Introduction Sri Lanka’s economic recovery has achieved important milestones following the […]
Beyond ESG Disclosures: What India and Sri Lanka Can Learn from Each Other
Dr.Ranjith Krishnan, Associate Professor, CHRIST University, Delhi NCR, India The credibility of sustainability reporting is ultimately tested by its usefulness in corporate and financial decisions. A Sri Lankan tea exporter may disclose water consumption, while an Indian textile manufacturer reports greenhouse gas emissions. Yet a lender must also consider exposure to drought, the likely cost […]
From New Ideas to New FX Earnings: Making ViYASA Work for Sri Lanka
“The difficulty lies not in the new ideas, but in escaping from the old ones.” — John Maynard Keynes By Prof. Asoka.S.Seneviratne Introduction Sri Lanka’s long-term economic resilience depends on its capacity to earn sufficient foreign exchange through productive and diversified economic activities. The Daily FT article, “Economic transformation in Asian countries and lessons for […]
Opinion: Should Sri Lanka Raise Its Income Tax-Free Threshold Again?
By Advocata Institute Recently, the government announced a proposal to increase the personal income tax-free threshold from LKR 150,000 to LKR 200,000 per month with the upcoming Budget, raises questions about Sri Lanka’s tax policy priorities. While reducing the tax burden on individuals may be justified under certain circumstances, another substantial increase so soon after […]
Opinion: A way forward for Sri Lanka to capitalize on the new Indian ocean order
How Sri Lanka Can Turn Great-Power Competition into US$10 Billion in Foreign Investment—and Become the Economic Bridge Between India, China, the Gulf, the USA and West By Jithendra Antonio From Trincomalee’s energy reserves to Colombo’s maritime gateway, from Hambantota’s industrial potential to Mannar’s renewable-energy frontier, Sri Lanka has an opportunity to transform its geography into […]
Opinion: Democracy, Monkhood And The Economy
Why Sri Lanka Must Reconcile Buddhist Ethics, the Rule of Law and Economic Recovery “Democracy has to be born anew every generation, and education is its midwife.” — John Dewey Author: Prof. Asoka.S.Seneviratne Introduction: A National Controversy with Economic Consequences Sri Lanka’s current controversy surrounding sections of the Buddhist clergy, the imprisonment of Ven. Galagoda […]
Sri Lanka Must Secure Its Electricity, Water, AI, Cloud & Digital Lifelines in 21st Century Before Next Failure Trouble Entire Nation
By Jithendra Antonio Sri Lanka’s greatest strategic vulnerability in the artificial intelligence age may not be a shortage of algorithms, foreign investment or technological ambition. It may be the inability to keep the country functioning when electricity disappears, water pumps stop, telecommunications weaken and essential digital services become inaccessible. The nationwide electricity collapse on 17 […]
Opinion: A Tourism Banking Super App that could earn twice for Sri Lanka?
A US$300 Million Tourism Super App? How Sri Lanka Could Connect Foreign Exchange, Telecom, National Parks, Government Resorts and Every Major Tourist Experience into One National Revenue Engine By Jithendra Antonio The next great opportunity in Sri Lankan tourism may not be another hotel, another airport terminal or another advertising campaign. It may be the […]
From Investment to Economic Transformation: Does Sri Lanka Need One Integrated Development Agency?
“Efficiency is doing things right; effectiveness is doing the right things.” — Peter Drucker Author: Prof. Asoka S.Seneviratne Introduction Sri Lanka’s next economic challenge is to turn stabilisation into sustained economic transformation. Restoring macroeconomic stability was necessary, but stability alone cannot deliver higher productivity, competitive production, expanding exports or improved living standards. The country must […]
From Stability to Transformation: What Sri Lanka’s Industrial Policy Experience Teaches Us
“The best way to predict the future is to create it.” — Peter Drucker By Prof. Asoka S.Seneviratne Introduction Sri Lanka has never been without industrial policy. For decades, successive governments have attempted, in different forms, to promote manufacturing, protect domestic industries, attract foreign investment, develop exports, create employment and move the economy towards higher […]
Maldives’ 40% Dollar Conversion Rule is a gift for Sri Lanka’s Tourism Sector
Sri Lanka and other regional players to benefit By Jithendra Antonio On 31 August 2026, President Mohamed Muizzu signed the First Amendment to the Foreign Currency Act into law, alongside six other pieces of legislation. The amendment came into force the very next day, on 1 September 2026. Buried in the fine print of a […]