#Srilanka#
Read MoreNPP One year- Balance Sheet
Category: Articles & Reviews
The Palmyrah Profile
The Palmyrah Profile The first dominant sign of Jaffna peninsula is immune to change. In fact, such a transformation is simply unthinkable. Those towering trees stretch across the landscape. Just as the slender trunks and sweeping fronds of the coconut define the South, the Palmyrah stands tall in the North, with its fan-shaped leaves and rugged, column-like trunks. The Palmyrah are far more than just scenery. They are part and parcel of the northern region’s economy, culture, and daily life. The latest data reveal that total exports from the Palmyrah…
Read MoreConcessions and credibility
Concessions and credibility Last week, the Minister of Foreign Affairs announced that a delegation of European Union (EU) representatives is scheduled to visit Sri Lanka next week to assess the EU’s Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+) tax concessions granted to the country. The EU is Sri Lanka’s second-largest trading partner. It goes without saying that for dollar-strapped Sri Lanka, the GSP+ concessions scheme is a vital economic lifeline. According to the Institute of Policy Studies, in 2023, Sri Lanka exported goods worth $ 3.63 billion to the EU and…
Read MoreConstitutional Reform for a Stable Sri Lanka
Constitutional Reform for a Stable Sri Lanka Constitutional reform has been a consistent demand of the citizens of Sri Lanka, most of whom firmly oppose an all-powerful president who is free of the checks and balances imposed by a strong parliament. Successive presidents have pledged to abolish the executive presidency only to renege on that promise once they were elected to power. However, since the presidential system was introduced by J.R. Jayewardene in 1978, it has consistently failed to deliver the political stability, economic prosperity and stable peace that the…
Read MorePetitioners seek SC intervention against Mannar Wind Power Project
Petitioners seek SC intervention against Mannar Wind Power Project citing public interest The Bishop of the Diocese of Mannar and three prominent environmentalists this week petitioned the Supreme Court in the public interest against the proposed 250 MW Mannar Wind Power Project by Adani Green Energy. Rev. Dr. Fidelis Lionel Emmanuel Fernando along with Rohan Pethiyagoda, Prof. Nimal Gunatilleke and Prof. Sarath Kotagama have challenged the procurement process and proposed construction of the project by Adani Green Energy PTE Ltd and/or Adani Green Energy S L Limited. The case names…
Read MoreAustralian company’s multibillion sandmining project in Mannar
Australian company’s multibillion sandmining project mired in Mannar protests Protests hinder progress towards mining licence Residents allege large-scale land robberies involving brokers working for company Environmentalists fear existential threats such as soil losing fertility and contamination of water sources Company representative downplays impacts of the project on people’s livelihood By Mimi Alphonsus and S. Rubatheesan For over a decade, an Australian company has tried to secure mining licences to extract heavy mineral sands from the ecologically rich region of Mannar Island—the fourth largest ilmenite deposit in the world—with little success.…
Read MoreWill the approaching elections be free and fair?
Will the approaching elections be free and fair? What is the significance of the Election Commission’s (EC) announcement on Thursday that the next presidential election would be held between September 17 and October 16? It is a well-known fact to those who know the relevant Article of the Constitution. It would have only been relevant if the EC had announced the exact date for the election. Goodies and freebies Although President Ranil Wickremesinghe has not declared his candidature for the forthcoming Presidential election, it is clear he has commenced his…
Read MoreSri Lanka’s democracy under siege
Sri Lanka’s democracy under siege lurking shadows of business-politics nexus In a startling revelation, Sri Lanka’s businessman Dhammika Perera, who aspires to enter the presidential race, has made a striking statement that should raise alarm bells. According to a recent article by K. Sujeewa in “Anidda” newspaper, published on Sunday, October 29, Perera is willing to pay a significant price for votes, boldly stating, “If SLPP vote base ‘Pohottuwa’ rises to 30%, the remaining 20% will be bought over in cash.” This admission sheds light on a disturbing trend in the…
Read MoreElections dates and election reforms
Elections dates and election reforms: Confusion confounded: By Jehan Perera President Wickremesinghe’s appointment of a commission of inquiry to investigate existing election laws and regulations and recommend changes has come without prior discussion or warning. It was a carefully kept secret until brought to the notice of the general public by the president’s appointment of the commission. The commission has been tasked with examining all existing election laws and regulations and making recommendations to suit current needs. According to its terms of reference the factors to which special consideration would…
Read MoreIMF facility only the beginning of a tough journey: Dr. Roshan Perera
IMF facility only the beginning of a tough journey: Dr. Roshan Perera Govt. needs to undertake several structural reforms within the year Sri Lanka must also focus on structural reforms to unlock growth Limited capacity and political space may affect speed of reforms SL governments in particular have very short-term policy orientation CB independence strengthens House oversight over public finances With independence comes need for greater transparency, accountability More independent central banks deliver and maintain lower inflation The securing of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) facility is only the…
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