Tag:Anura Kumara Dissanayake

Tourism, one of Sri Lanka’s key economic drivers, is set to receive $200 million. These funds will be used to protect and enhance natural and cultural heritage sites, create employment opportunities, and ensure local communities benefit directly from tourism revenues.

Whether the two parties can bridge the gap and reach a mutually acceptable agreement remains to be seen. The Sri Lankan government's insistence on price revision and Adani’s re-affirmation of the initial terms, clearly sets the stage for a tense negotiation period.

There has been a raging debate in Sri Lanka on the deal, citing it as an expensive deal. The earlier government had agreed to purchase power from Adani’s 484-megawatt wind power project at a rate of 8.26 US cents per unit under a 20-year power purchase agreement.

Sri Lanka's recent economic performance has shown resilience, but challenges persist. The World Bank cautioned that macroeconomic stability is contingent on the consistent implementation of fiscal, financial, and monetary policies.

As Sri Lanka navigates these complex international relationships, concerns persist about the nation's sovereignty and its ability to maintain a balanced foreign policy amidst mounting external pressures.

SOEs, including SriLankan Airlines, Sri Lanka Telecom, and Ceylon Petroleum Corporation, have long been plagued by mismanagement and inefficiencies, burdening taxpayers.

The SCL Act, which covers 63 items, imposes taxes at high rates on staple foods such as rice, potatoes, and maize. Critics argue that while these taxes protect domestic agriculture, they also make basic foods costly, exacerbating malnutrition among poor families.

President Dissanayake’s first official foreign trip since taking office in September 2024, underscored his commitment to deepening ties with India, especially as Sri Lanka seeks to rebuild after its economic crisis in 2022.