Sri Lanka Inflation Slows to 1.6% in February 2026: Mixed Impact on Households
Sri Lanka recorded a further slowdown in headline inflation in February 2026. The Colombo Consumer Price Index (CCPI, base 2021=100) stood at 195.3, reflecting a year-on-year increase of 1.6%, down from 2.3% in January. This is the lowest headline inflation rate observed in recent months and remains well below the Central Bank’s 5% target under […]
Oil Prices Surge After Gulf Conflicts and Strait of Hormuz Tensions: Impact on Sri Lanka’s Fuel Costs in March 2026
Global oil prices have risen sharply following recent military actions in the Gulf region and warnings from Iran restricting navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. The waterway, which handles about 20% of the world’s oil supply, saw tanker traffic halt or divert after radio warnings from Iran’s Revolutionary Guards instructing ships not to pass. This […]
Why Has IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva Visited Sri Lanka in February 2026?
In our previous article, we explored the concept of fiscal space and its role in enabling governments to address priorities during challenging times. High-level international engagements can influence such flexibility, particularly in countries navigating recovery and external shocks. On February 16, 2026, IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva arrived in Sri Lanka for a three-day official […]
The Body’s Built-In Recycling System: Yoshinori Ohsumi’s Nobel Prize Discovery of Autophagy
In 2016, Japanese cell biologist Yoshinori Ohsumi was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for his pioneering work on autophagy, a fundamental cellular process that allows cells to break down and recycle their own damaged or unnecessary components. Derived from the Greek words for “self-eating,” autophagy serves as the body’s internal cleanup and […]
CEB Proposes 13.56% Electricity Tariff Hike for April-June 2026
The Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) has submitted a proposal for a 13.56% increase in electricity tariffs for the second quarter of 2026, covering the period from April 1 to June 30. The submission, dated February 13, 2026, was made to the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL), which is now reviewing the request. This […]
What is Fiscal Space?
In our previous article, we explained what debt is and how it is measured, highlighting its role in funding public needs while emphasising sustainability. A related concept often discussed in economic policy is fiscal space, the room a government has to manoeuvre its budget without triggering instability. For ordinary citizens; a teacher hoping for better […]
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 […]