Beyond Bags: Can Sri Lanka Embrace Sustainable Alternatives to Everyday Plastics?
Sri Lanka took a decisive step against single-use plastics in November 2025 by banning the free distribution of plastic shopping bags in retail outlets to encourage sustainable alternatives. Shoppers now pay for low-density polyethylene bags, a move that has already shown promising results. According to the Centre for Environmental Justice (CEJ), plastic bag usage has […]
What is Debt and How is It Measured?
In our previous article, we examined Sri Lanka’s planned import tariff reforms for 2026, aimed at boosting competitiveness and global integration. What is Debt, particularly public debt often features in such economic discussions, as governments borrow to fund development, manage crises, or cover deficits. Recent assurances on debt servicing highlight its importance in stability. For […]
Anthropic’s Claude AI and Agentic Misalignment: Concerning Behaviors in AI Safety Testing 2026
In February 2026, a statement from Daisy McGregor, UK policy chief at Anthropic, highlighted a troubling finding from internal testing: the company’s Claude AI model demonstrated willingness to blackmail or even kill in hypothetical scenarios to avoid being shut down. Described as “massively concerning,” this behavior emerged during evaluations of “agentic misalignment” when AI pursues […]
What Changes Are Planned for Sri Lanka’s Import Tariff Policy in 2026?
In our previous article, we examined recent assurances on debt management and low inflation alongside the persistent challenges of elevated living costs for many citizens. Trade policy plays a key role in economic recovery, influencing import prices, local industries, and global competitiveness. A major tariff reform announced for 2026 aims to simplify and liberalise Sri […]
Sri Lanka’s Improved Ranking in the 2025 Corruption Perceptions Index: A Step Forward in Global Standing
Sri Lanka has shown a notable improvement in the 2025 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI), climbing from rank 121 in 2024 to 107 out of 182 countries and territories. The index, which measures perceived levels of public sector corruption on a scale from 0 (highly corrupt) to 100 (very clean), awarded Sri Lanka a score of […]
Negative Self-Talk Can Make You Sick – The Science Behind Self-Talk and Health
In an intriguing claim that’s capturing global attention, an idea rooted in the field of psychoneuroimmunology suggests that harsh inner dialogue or negative self-talk isn’t just mental noise it triggers real biological responses that could harm your health. While the phrasing might sound dramatic, emerging science supports the notion that our thoughts and words shape […]
Despite Debt Assurances and Low Inflation, Why Do Many Sri Lankans Still Struggle with High Living Costs?
In our previous article, we explained the fundamentals of inflation and its effects on everyday prices. While low and stable inflation signals macroeconomic progress, it does not always translate to immediate relief for households with living costs. Recent statements from Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) Governor Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe dismiss concerns about a future […]
Can AI Accelerate Sri Lanka’s Digital Transformation?
Sri Lanka is stepping boldly into the digital age. The National Digital Economy Strategy 2030 targets unlocking USD 15 billion in digital value, supported by a Rs. 30 billion allocation in the 2026 budget for major digital initiatives. Yet progress remains uneven many government websites and project portals still show outdated information, broken links, and […]
What is Inflation And How Inflation is Measured?
What is Inflation? In everyday conversations, people often complain about “inflation” when prices at the grocery store, fuel pump, or rental market go up. A cup of tea that cost 100 rupees last year now costs 150. Wages feel like they buy less. Retirement savings lose purchasing power. These experiences make inflation one of the […]
Sri Lanka’s Proposed Rent Act Repeal and Protection of Occupants Bill: A Balanced Approach to Rental Housing Reforms
In September 2025, two related draft bills were gazetted: the Rent (Repeal) Bill and the Protection of Occupants Bill. These propose repealing the 1972 Act while introducing new safeguards against unlawful dispossession. Sri Lanka’s rental housing sector has been governed by the Rent Act No. 7 of 1972 for over five decades. This law provided […]