Category: Opinion
Opinion: Click to Give – The Future of Digital Fundraising in Sri Lanka
By Chaya Dissanayake: Digital fundraising is gaining momentum in Sri Lanka. The Doing Good Index 2024 reveals the level of digital technology adoption in Sri Lanka and 17 other Asian economies, among other indicators of philanthropic activities. Enhancing cybersecurity awareness, digital capacity development, and improving existing digital infrastructure are key to promoting digital fundraising in […]
‘s Make-or-Break Moment, The Leadership Sri Lanka Needs
By Jithendra Antonio As Sri Lanka emerges from an unprecedented economic crisis that has shaken the foundations of its society, the nation stands at a pivotal crossroads. The upcoming presidential election on September 21, 2024, presents an opportunity for transformative leadership capable of steering the country toward economic recovery, social equity, and sustainable development. The […]
‘s Fiscal Burden: Who Needs a State Pension?
By Priyanka Jayawardena: Public sector workers’ pensions are paid by tax revenue, with 12% of government revenue allocated for pensions. An IPS analysis shows that public service pensions are not a progressive welfare programme, with half of the publicly funded pensions benefitting the top 20% wealthier group. Implementing a contributory pension fund is crucial to […]
‘s New Tech Talent Incubator
By Jekhan Aruliah I know people for whom Rs10k is a lot, and others where Rs1million is not a lot. But for rich and poor one thing is the same. We all have 60 seconds in a minute, 60 minutes in an hour, and God willing 60 years to contribute our efforts. Contribute to our […]
‘t Ignore
When a Software Update Grounded the World: Lessons from the CrowdStrike Crisis and the Urgent Need for Cybersecurity Overhaul By Jithendra Antonio In the ever-evolving landscape of cybersecurity, the recent debacle involving CrowdStrike serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of our digital infrastructure. A seemingly innocuous software update spiraled into a global crisis, […]
Opinion: Sri Lanka’s Path to Prosperity – Harnessing Foreign Investment Amid Climate & Political Challenges
By Jithendra Antonio Sri Lanka, an island nation rich in history and culture, is grappling with severe economic vulnerabilities. With limited land and finite natural resources, the country faces significant challenges in commercializing these assets. Climate change further exacerbates these issues, casting a shadow over key sectors like agriculture, fisheries, and tourism. Despite these challenges, […]
K.C.Vignarajah, 1940-2024, An Appreciation
By Jekhan Aruliah I first met Kangasu Chelvadurai Vignarajah, known to many by his initials KC, in 2016. I remember from that first meeting, a dinner of the Sri Lanka India Society, the mischief in his smile, the glint in his eye. Always elegantly dressed, Vigna had rare poise, manners and eloquence. It was a […]
‘s Mango Market: A Balancing Act with Economic Insights
By Chandula Idirisinghe Sri Lanka’s mango industry, deeply woven into the cultural fabric and dietary needs of Sri Lanka, is thriving with a 12.2% production boost and a 5% yield improvement over the past two decades. Yet, the industry is characterised by drastic seasonal price swings. Prices are currently low, and another significant drop is […]
Op-Ed: Journey Towards a Brighter Future: Reflections from Outgoing WB Group Country Management
The outgoing World Bank Country Director for Maldives, Nepal and Sri Lanka, Faris Hadad-Zervos, World Bank Country Manager for Maldives and Sri Lanka, Chiyo Kanda and International Finance Corporation Country Manager for Maldives and Sri Lanka, Alejandro Alvarez de la Campa speak about the highlights of their tenure in Colombo. They also share their thoughts […]
Opinion: Catalyzing MSMEs amid rising poverty?
By Indika Hettiarachchi As Sri Lankan economy is recovering from the economic crisis, there are lot of discussions on catalyzing the ailing micro, small and medium enterprises (“MSME”). MSMEs are believed to be accounting for around 90% of all businesses in Sri Lanka. Surveys indicate that over 20% of MSMEs were closed down during 2018 […]
Opinion: Establishing a Climate Change Fund – A Crucial Step for Sri Lanka’s Economic Future
By Jithendra Antonio Sri Lanka is at a critical juncture. Ranked 116th out of 182 countries on the climate vulnerability index, the nation faces escalating threats from climate change, including frequent droughts, floods, and other extreme weather events. These climate-induced disruptions pose significant risks to economic activities, potentially stalling progress and destabilizing key industries. In […]
Opinion: Ranil Wickremesinghe + Elon Musk = Optimism for Sri Lanka
June 1, 2024 (LBO) – A few weeks ago Sri Lankan media was abuzz with news of a meeting between President Ranil Wickremesinghe and the world’s richest and most famous person Elon Musk. When the photographs actually surfaced of the meeting, facilitated by the President’s Climate Advisor and Deputy Leader of the UNP Ruwan Wijewardene, […]