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.
On November 14 this year, another tsunami struck, sweeping across the country in an unprecedented wave that mesmerised many of the 22 million population.
The decision to impose the ban was influenced by security concerns raised by neighbouring India, which cited potential spying activities by foreign research ships operating in the Indian Ocean.
Despite the political transition, Sri Lanka has maintained its economic policies, providing reassurance to investors. Analysts suggest the stability and anti-corruption stance of the new government could further bolster investor confidence.
The NPP painted the island winning across ethnicities and religious groups and made history wining the Northern Jaffna district. NPP has pledged to wield its newly acquired two-thirds parliamentary majority responsibly, ensuring it is used to rebuild the country rather than entrench power.
In a bid to enhance accountability, President Dissanayake has also made changes within the State Intelligence Service. The body’s head, a former Major General...
Anura Kumara Dissanayake announces a new committee aimed at accelerating approvals for international funding in the energy sector.
In a bid to enhance energy infrastructure...
The UN appeal comes at a moment when humanitarian funding is already stretched by multiple crises. While CERF has provided rapid support, broader donor commitments remain insufficient relative to the scale of projected need.
South Asia’s lead crisis is not inevitable. Experience elsewhere demonstrates that decisive regulation, industrial formalisation and community-level interventions can sharply reduce exposure.
The UN appeal comes at a moment when humanitarian funding is already stretched by multiple crises. While CERF has provided rapid support, broader donor commitments remain insufficient relative to the scale of projected need.