Air Quality Concerns in Sri Lanka: Causes, Impacts, and Pathways to Improvement
Air quality remains a critical public health and environmental concern in Sri Lanka, with recent reports highlighting persistent challenges across urban and rural areas. As of early 2026, real-time monitoring indicates that air quality in key cities frequently falls into the “moderate” to “unhealthy for sensitive groups” categories, influenced by a combination of local emissions […]
Hidden Strengths of Sri Lanka: High Literacy and Education Achievements Amid Persistent Unemployment
Many people outside or even within Sri Lanka are unaware of the country’s remarkable education achievements. With a literacy rate exceeding 92% (adult) and near 99% for youth, free education from kindergarten to university, and compulsory schooling up to age 14, Sri Lanka boasts one of Asia’s most accessible and equitable systems. This foundation has […]
Understanding Sri Lanka’s Economic and Social Infrastructure: Insights from Central Bank Publications
Economic and social infrastructure forms the backbone of any nation’s development. In Sri Lanka, these sectors often referred to as Economic and Social Overheads (ESO) include essential services like energy, transport, telecommunications, water supply, education, and healthcare. Reliable infrastructure supports business growth, improves quality of life, and drives long-term prosperity. The Central Bank of Sri […]
Sri Lanka’s Banking Sector Resilience and Its Meaning for Ordinary Citizens
As 2025 draws to a close, the Central Bank of Sri Lanka has released the Financial Soundness Indicators for the third quarter (July–September 2025). These figures, combined with the strong fiscal performance recorded in the first nine months of the year, offer reassuring news for ordinary Sri Lankans who are still recovering from the 2022 […]
AI Image Editing Tools and Non-Consensual Deepfakes: A Growing Threat to Public Safety and Privacy
In an era where artificial intelligence (AI) drives innovation, the misuse of AI image editing tools has emerged as a significant concern for public safety and individual privacy. Recent reports highlight how advanced features in platforms from leading tech companies allow users to create non-consensual manipulated images, often targeting women without their knowledge or permission. […]
Sri Lanka’s Cabinet Approves Targeted Tariff Reforms: A Strategic Boost for Deep-Sea Fishing and Tuna Exports in 2026
Sri Lanka’s fisheries sector, a cornerstone of the nation’s economy and food security, has received a timely policy intervention with the Cabinet’s recent approval of tariff reforms aimed at easing bait fish imports for the deep-sea fishing industry. Announced on December 23, 2025, these measures address a longstanding shortage of bait fish critical for long-line […]
Gold Prices in Sri Lanka on December 23, 2025: Latest Rates Amid Global Record Rally
As of December 23, 2025, gold prices in Sri Lanka remain elevated, reflecting the ongoing global surge that has pushed the precious metal to unprecedented highs. According to reliable local sources like IdeaBeam, today’s gold rates show significant levels for both investment and jewelry purposes. This comes as international spot gold trades around $4,400+ per […]
Why Sri Lanka Must Embrace Sustainable Energy: Opportunities, Risks, and the Path to Responsible Investment in 2026
A Critical Juncture for Sri Lanka’s Energy Future Sri Lanka stands at a decisive moment in its development journey. The country’s reliance on imported fossil fuels has left its economy vulnerable to global price shocks, foreign exchange shortages, and environmental degradation. At the same time, climate change is intensifying floods, droughts, and cyclones, placing immense […]
World Bank’s $120 Million Emergency Support: What It Means for Sri Lanka’s Recovery and Public Confidence
A Timely Lifeline for a Country in Crisis On December 15, 2025, the World Bank confirmed up to USD $120 million in emergency support to Sri Lanka, repurposed from ongoing projects. This announcement comes in direct response to the Government’s request following Cyclone Ditwah, the worst natural disaster to hit the country in two decades. […]
Sri Lanka’s Kithul Tapping Wins UNESCO Recognition: How This Ancient Practice Will Transform Rural Livelihoods
A Historic Moment for Rural Sri Lanka On December 11, 2025, Sri Lanka achieved a remarkable milestone when Kithul Madeema, the centuries-old practice of tapping the Kithul palm tree, was officially inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity during the 20th Session of the Intergovernmental Committee in New Delhi, India. […]