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 […]
Sweden’s Education Rethink: Reducing Screens and Reviving Traditional Learning – Lessons for Sri Lanka
Sweden, long celebrated for its progressive education system, has undertaken a significant policy shift in recent years. Facing evidence of declining student performance linked to heavy digital device use, the country is reducing classroom screen time, prioritising physical textbooks, encouraging handwriting, and introducing stricter mobile phone restrictions. This balanced approach offers valuable insights for nations […]
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 […]
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 […]