Decentralisation vs. Centralisation: Sri Lanka’s Ongoing Debate on Devolution
Decentralisation vs. Centralisation: Sri Lanka’s Ongoing Debate on Devolution | The balance between central power and local autonomy has shaped Sri Lanka’s politics for decades. From the establishment of Provincial Councils under the 13th Amendment in 1987 to today’s renewed debates on governance reform, questions remain: should Sri Lanka strengthen decentralisation, or return to a […]
AI and Policy: Sri Lanka at the Crossroads of Innovation
AI and Policy in Sri Lanka | AI or Artificial Intelligence, has become the buzzword of the decade. From voice assistants on smartphones to complex algorithms that power global financial markets, AI is shaping the way the world works. For Sri Lanka, a nation balancing economic recovery with ambitions of becoming a modern hub in […]
Tax Digitisation in Sri Lanka: Progress or Pitfall?
Tax Digitisation in Sri Lanka | Sri Lanka is entering a crucial phase in its economic reform journey. Among the many measures rolled out to increase state revenue, the digitisation of the tax system is one of the most ambitious. The Inland Revenue Department (IRD) has pushed forward with online filing, e-payments, and digital platforms […]
Balancing Development and Conservation: The Future of Sri Lanka’s Coastal Ecosystems
Sri Lanka’s 1,340 km coastline is both a source of immense economic potential and a delicate ecological treasure. From pristine beaches and mangroves to coral reefs and estuaries, these ecosystems sustain fisheries, tourism, and coastal livelihoods(Coastal Ecosystems). At the same time, they provide vital natural defences against erosion, storm surges, and climate change impacts. However, […]
Still Searching for Greener Pastures: Why Sri Lankans Are Continuing to Leave Home
Even as Sri Lanka begins to recover from its worst economic crisis in decades, thousands of Sri Lankans continue to seek opportunities abroad. What’s fueling this persistent wave of migration, and what does it mean for the country’s future? A Nation in Motion In the aftermath of the 2022 economic crisis, the sight of long […]
The Cost of Care: How Sri Lanka’s Ageing Population is Quietly Reshaping the Economy
Introduction Sri Lanka is on the cusp of a demographic transformation. With one of the fastest-ageing populations in South Asia, the nation faces a future where one in four citizens will be over 60 by 2040. While this trend reflects improved life expectancy and healthcare, it also brings a looming socio-economic challenge: the rising cost […]
Sri Lankan Passport Soars: A Leap to 91st in the Global Ranking
In a welcome turn of events, Sri Lanka’s passport has made significant gains in the 2025 Henley Passport Index, vaulting five places to land in 91st position globally. This upward move signals increased international mobility for Sri Lankans and reflects growing confidence in our nation. Let’s explore what this means for travel, business, and Sri […]
Sri Lanka Moves to Reassure Public on Data Privacy in India-Funded e-NIC Project- 2025
Sri Lanka’s government is seeking to calm public anxiety over its planned electronic National Identity Card (e-NIC) system, which is being funded by a grant from India. Amid a heated debate over data privacy and national sovereignty, authorities insist that robust legal and technical safeguards will ensure sensitive personal data remains under Sri Lankan control. […]
Aswesuma Expansion in Sri Lanka: Strengthening the Social Safety Net in 2025
Sri Lanka is set to expand its flagship Aswesuma welfare benefit programme in July 2025, adding 400,000 new families to its rolls. This expansion is more than a budget line item—it reflects the country’s evolving approach to poverty reduction, economic resilience, and social equity at a time of deep economic stress. Here’s a detailed look […]
Inland Revenue and Tax Collection Going Digital in Sri Lanka: Promise, Progress, and Pitfalls
Sri Lanka’s government has long recognised that its tax system needs modernisation. Against the backdrop of fiscal crises, IMF-supported reform programmes, and an urgent need to increase revenue, digitalising tax collection has become a national priority. This article explores the country’s push to take the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) digital: what’s been done, what it […]
