China’s Solar Power Dominance in 2026: Key Lessons for Sri Lanka’s Renewable Energy Goals
Summary of the analysis China continues to lead the world in solar energy as of 2026. In 2025, the country installed a record 315 GW of new solar capacity, bringing its total photovoltaic (PV) installed base to approximately 1.2 terawatts (TW). When combined with wind power, China’s renewable energy capacity surpassed 1.8 TW, representing over […]
Why Is IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva Planning a Visit to Sri Lanka in February 2026?
In our previous article, we detailed the IMF staff mission’s January 2026 visit to assess the economic and social impacts of Cyclone Ditwah and related flooding. That mission highlighted the authorities’ commitments to safeguarding program gains while addressing disaster needs. Building on those discussions, a higher-level engagement has been announced: IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva […]
What is Neuralink’s Telepathy: Thought-Controlled Technology in 2026
Summary of the analysis In January 2026, Elon Musk highlighted a major milestone for Neuralink: 21 participants worldwide now use the company’s Telepathy brain-computer interface (BCI) implant. This device allows people with severe paralysis to control computers, communicate, and interact digitally simply by thinking. Musk congratulated the team for “helping many people who have lost […]
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 […]