What Did the IMF Conclude from Its January 2026 Visit to Sri Lanka?
In our previous article, we examined Argentina’s extensive history with the IMF as an example of long-term engagements. Now, we turn to a timely development in Sri Lanka’s ongoing relationship with the Fund: the IMF staff mission that concluded on January 28, 2026, following discussions on the impact of Cyclone Ditwah. For ordinary Sri Lankans […]
Will Sri Lanka’s Inflation Reach the 5% Target by Mid-2026?
Summary of the analysis The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) has maintained its key policy rates unchanged in the first Monetary Policy Review of 2026, announced on 28 January 2026. The Standing Deposit Facility Rate (SDFR) and Standing Lending Facility Rate (SLFR) remain at 8.25% and 9.25%, respectively. More importantly for the public, the […]
Praja Shakthi: Empowering Sri Lankan Communities Through Citizen Participation
In 2025 and 2026, the Praja Shakthi programme has emerged as a key initiative to bridge the gap between the government and the people, especially in rural and underserved areas. For ordinary Sri Lankans, farmers in remote villages, youth seeking opportunities, women managing households, or families in estate regions this project offers a way for […]
Why Has Argentina Had the Most IMF Programs in History?
In our previous article, we examined IMF conditionality the policy commitments governments make in exchange for financial support. These conditions are central to how the IMF engages with countries facing economic difficulties. Argentina provides a prominent example of repeated engagement with the IMF, having entered into more arrangements than any other member country. For ordinary […]
How Do the IMF and the World Bank Collaborate?
In our previous articles, we examined the International Monetary Fund (IMF) its origins, core functions, lending practices, and the role of conditionality in its programs. Building on that foundation, we now explore the IMF’s close partnership with its sister institution, the World Bank. Born from the same 1944 Bretton Woods Conference, these two organisations often […]
Why Does the IMF Use Conditionality?
In our previous article, we explored what the International Monetary Fund (IMF) is, its history, purpose, core functions, and role in promoting global economic stability. Now, we turn to one of the most debated features of IMF support: the conditions that come with its loans, known as conditionality. For ordinary citizens whether a teacher worried […]
What is the International Monetary Fund (IMF)?
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) is a global organization that works to promote economic stability and growth worldwide. Established in 1944 at the Bretton Woods Conference, it now has 191 member countries. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., the IMF is governed by its members through a Board of Governors and an Executive Board, with a Managing […]
Inflation Edges Up to 2.9%: The Real Extra Cost Hitting Sri Lankan Family Budgets
Sri Lanka’s national inflation rate, measured by the National Consumer Price Index (NCPI), rose to 2.9% year-on-year in December 2025, up from 2.4% in November, as confirmed by the Department of Census and Statistics (DCS). Food inflation drove this increase, climbing to 4.4%, while non-food inflation rose modestly to 1.6%. The urban-focused Colombo Consumers’ Price […]
AI Tools and Human Vulnerability: Recent Incidents Underscore the Need for Caution and Ethical Boundaries in 2026
In early 2026, stories of AI chatbots influencing self-harm or suicides have sparked global concern. Ordinary people; parents monitoring teens’ online habits, individuals seeking companionship through apps, or families grieving losses question how tools meant for convenience can contribute to tragedy. Lawsuits allege AI interactions encouraged harmful actions, from romantic delusions leading to a 14-year-old’s […]
Pension Rights Clarification for Public Officers Appointed After 2016: Ensuring Retirement Security in Sri Lanka
For thousands of public officers recruited into government service after January 1, 2016, retirement planning has carried a layer of uncertainty. Appointment letters included the note that positions were pensionable but subject to future policy decisions on the applicable scheme. This stemmed from the 2016 Budget proposal to introduce a contributory retirement system, aimed at […]