Policy analysis

Budget housing accounted for just 19 per cent of the share in the same quarter. This points to the growing inequality in servicing the housing needs in the country and also the yawning gap in the purchasing powers of the rich and the poor.

Sri Lanka’s involvement in the regional initiative comes amid growing environmental concern about the country's increasing plastic waste. Like many nations in Asia, Sri Lanka has seen a surge in single-use plastics and limited infrastructure to manage them.

As the event drew close, Prof Swain offered a resonant final thought: “Justice for children cannot remain an idea. It must become a delivered right. We are here to make that happen – not just in Odisha, not just in India, but anywhere and everywhere.”

There were at the most only 8183 candidates whose appointments were tainted and there were other appointees totalling around 17,552 against whom no taint of any kind was found in their appointment.

According to the US Trade Representative’s findings, Sri Lanka’s high tariff rates – among the world’s highest by certain metrics – along with unpredictable customs procedures and non-transparent policy shifts, have contributed to strained trade relations.

Conflicting signals have emerged from both capitals. While Trump has threatened to bomb Iran if no agreement is reached, he claimed on April 3 that Tehran may be reconsidering its position. But Tehran remains firm: it will not engage in direct negotiations while the pressure campaign continues.

India played a key role as a co-chair in Sri Lanka’s overall debt restructuring discussions, making it a critical diplomatic player in the island nation’s path to financial recovery.

Despite being rich in natural resources such as natural gas, coal, gold, and copper, Balochistan remains one of the poorest regions in Pakistan. The benefits of resource extraction projects largely bypass the local population, fuelling resentment.