Targeting Social Protection: Cut leakage, cut exclusion, protect the vulnerable
Sri Lanka cannot afford waste in social protection. Transfers must reach poor and near-poor households on time, with minimal leakage to the non-poor and minimal exclusion of eligible families. The goal is simple: pay the right people, quickly and predictably, while preserving dignity and privacy. The problem, stated plainly Two errors dominate weak systems. Leakage: […]
Rightsizing the Public Sector: World Bank’s Roadmap for Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka’s fiscal crisis has forced a difficult debate: how to balance essential public services with the need to cut spending and stabilise debt. In its Public Finance Review 2025, the World Bank urges the government to “trim” the public sector, not through sudden layoffs, but through a careful process of rightsizing and efficiency reforms. […]
AI in Sri Lanka’s Financial Sector: What the Central Bank’s Signal Means
On 17 September 2025, Central Bank Governor Dr P. Nandalal Weerasinghe argued that artificial intelligence is no longer optional for Sri Lanka’s financial sector. He called AI a “strategic imperative” for banks and finance companies, highlighting gains in efficiency, fraud prevention, inclusion, and sustainable finance while warning about privacy, bias, and governance risks that demand […]
Sri Lanka Bolsters Anti-Corruption Arsenal with World Bank Backing
World Bank is backing Sri Lanka’s Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC). Sri Lanka has taken a decisive step forward in combating corruption. Justice Neil Iddawala, Chairman of CIABOC, held high-level talks with World Bank representatives at the UN Secretariat in Vienna. The meeting occurred during the Second Resumed Sixteenth Session of the […]
The Future of Work: Reid Hoffman’s Prediction and the Rise of AI
Introduction Reid Hoffman’s Prediction and the Rise of AI | The world of work is shifting rapidly. Reid Hoffman, co-founder of LinkedIn and one of the most influential voices in Silicon Valley, has predicted that by 2034 the traditional 9-to-5 job will be extinct. His forecast is not mere speculation but grounded in decades of […]
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, […]
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. […]
