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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Should Sri Lanka Reform the Muslim Marriage and Divorce Act (MMDA)?
Summary of the analysis The Muslim Marriage and Divorce Act (MMDA) of 1951 governs marriages, divorces, and related matters for Sri Lanka’s Muslim community. It replaced the previous “Muslim Marriage and Divorce Registration Ordinance” of 1929 and the older “Mohammadan Code” of 1806, officially establishing a codified system for marriage, divorce, and the Quazi court […]
Does the IMF Promote Cuts to Health, Education, Social Protection, or Public Investment During Economic Crises?
In our previous article, we explored whether IMF-supported programs impose austerity on countries in financial crisis, examining the balance between fiscal consolidation and social impacts. A related concern often raised is whether the IMF encourages or requires reductions in priority spending areas health, education, social protection, and public investment precisely when economies are under strain. […]
Clean Drinking Water Access in Sri Lanka 2026: Challenges in Distribution and Paths to Improvement
Summary of the analysis Access to clean, reliable drinking water remains a daily concern for many Sri Lankans in 2026. While the country has made significant progress in providing improved water sources to over 94% of the population, disparities persist particularly in rural areas, estates, and dry zones. Pipe-borne water coverage stands at approximately 60% […]
Is Migration a Good Solution for Sri Lankans? The Hidden Struggles Behind Overseas Dreams
Summary of the analysis Migration has long been seen as a pathway to better opportunities for many Sri Lankans. With economic challenges at home, thousands depart annually for jobs abroad, sending back vital remittances. In 2025, over 311,207 Sri Lankans left for foreign employment, contributing around $8.076 billion in remittances. Yet, recent discussions highlight a […]