Natural Capital Forum

CENTER FOR A SMART FUTURE

KNOWLEDGE BASE

currency notes and coins on a forest floor

Advancing Green Finance in Sri Lanka: Updates, Prospects, and Challenges

For a recent Roundtable on green finance with financial institutions and development partners, CSF had the opportunity to provide inputs into the design of the session and provide concluding insights at the end of the session. This Analytical Note serves as a recap of the key findings and takeaways on the progress of implementing green finance in Sri Lanka, the near-term prospects, and current and emerging challenges to be tackled.

Communicating Crisis

Communicating Crisis

On the 7th of March 2024, Centre for a Smart Future and Colombo Urban Lab hosted an event called, “Communicating Crisis”. The event featured a panel discussion on Sri Lanka’s path to a just recovery, anchored to key questions. How do economic indicators compare with people’s lived experiences? How can civil society and the media amplify voices from the ground?

Cover image of Analytical Note Edition 3

Sustainable Financing for Marine Conservation – Recap of Knowledge Roundtable 3

As Sri Lanka endures mounting pressure on public finances and explores new avenues for funding conservation efforts, CTFs have emerged as a promising mechanism that could provide long-term financing for its Protected Areas (PAs). David Meyers, Executive Director of the Conservation Finance Alliance (CFA), spoke at a recent Knowledge Roundtable organised by CSF on Conservation Trust Funds. Read our Analytical Note Edition 3, which summarises the key takeaways and insights from David Meyers and discussion generated by the participants.

Behind the scenes: Colombo Settlements Survey 2023

Behind the scenes: Colombo Settlements Survey 2023

While data and numbers offer helpful insights, the picture it paints is almost always incomplete without an understanding of how those numbers were arrived at—how data is collected, and the sensitivities that enumerators need to be mindful of when conducting large scale surveys. Understanding the methodology of conducting such surveys add an important realistic dimension to policies that are solely data-driven.

Does Colombo have sprawling slums and shanties?

Does Colombo have sprawling slums and shanties?

This infographic provides an overview of settlements in the City of Colombo. The map shows the distribution of settlements in Colombo, with the most number of settlements concentrated in Colombo North. The data shows that most settlements have upgraded on-site, and that compared to other cities in the Global South, Colombo’s settlements are smaller and fragmented, with no trend of sprawling slums and shanties to be found.

Are Colombo’s working class poor really ‘underserved’?

Are Colombo’s working class poor really ‘underserved’?

How we talk about the urban poor is situated in a broader context of urban development and competing ideas of what Colombo should and will look like, and such words sanction the exclusion of the urban poor from the city. It is crucial that our terminology reflects the complexity of ground level realities, particularly when Sri Lanka’s difference is erased and subsumed by other South Asian narratives.

a jungle cabin in the hills

How can we re-orient Sri Lanka’s tourism future?

CSF Research Associate Senith Abeyanayake reflects on a recent engagement with tourism industry leaders for a panel on charting a nature-positive economic recovery for Sri Lanka's tourism. This is part of CSF's 'Perspectives Series' of articles.

Colombo Settlements Survey 2023

Colombo Settlements Survey 2023

SEVANATHA and Colombo Urban Lab is pleased to announce the launch of the Colombo Settlements Survey Report for the year 2023, in collaboration with the Colombo Municipal Council. The report provides the latest data on all 1360 urban settlements in the City of Colombo, with key findings and recommendations. The Colombo Settlements Survey is the third iteration of the Survey, which was previously conducted in 2002 and 2012 by SEVANATHA in collaboration with the Colombo Municipal Council. The survey collects data on key indicators including tenure, access to basic services and level of housing development as well as on the socio-economic aspects of the settlements.

Cover image of Analytical Note edition 2

FEBRUARY 19, 2024

Sustainable Financing for Marine Conservation – Recap of Knowledge Roundtable 2

From our work with BRT on sustainable financing for marine conservation, read our Analytical Note Edition 2, from our second Knowledge Roundtable. It focuses on the imperative to develop bankable marine conservation plans, incorporating financial incentives and showcasing economic feasibility.

Cover image of Analytical Note edition 1

FEBRUARY 19, 2024

Sustainable Financing for Marine Conservation – Recap of Knowledge Roundtable 1

From our work with BRT on sustainable financing for marine conservation, read our Analytical Note Edition 1, from our first Knowledge Roundtable. It covers the need for site specific considerations for financing tools, government buy-in, and the alignment of financial incentives with stakeholder perspectives.

Hotel in a regenerated wetland

FEBRUARY 15, 2024

CSF embarks on a new research project on nature and tourism in Sri Lanka

CSF is setting out to study the dynamics shaping a possible tourism recovery path that is just by nature, and study stakeholder perceptions around the barriers for, and opportunities to drive, a more nature-positive tourism sector.

closed shop in a colombo settlement

FEBRUARY 11, 2024

Quantifying poverty: Can we truly capture its complexity?

Developing an operational definition for household poverty requires the consideration of two aspects. Firstly, it needs to identify an indicative property or combination of such properties which are generalisable across all households facing poverty (within the population of interest), and secondly, it needs to explain how they would be empirically measured and the degree of poverty calculated. According to the discourse on the limitations of both Samurdhi and Aswesuma, this article highlights how these aspects need to negotiate the complexities of at least three conflicting cues (a triple bind).

teacher with tablet computer in a classroom

FEBRUARY 10, 2024

Dissecting the Digital Focus in Sri Lanka’s National Education Policy Framework

Sri Lanka’s multiple and overlapping crises since the Easter Sunday bombings in 2019 have impacted digital inclusion, exacerbating pre-existing inequalities, and in turn impacting the prospects for inclusive digital education. These cannot be ignored when crafting national education policy frameworks where ‘digital’ features so prominently, and must be dealt with in a considered and coherent manner.

sunlight streams through a forest

JANUARY 23, 2024

Towards a Nature-Positive Economic Recovery in Sri Lanka: An Interview Series

As Sri Lanka's economic crisis jeopardizes sustainable development, the looming threat to environmental conservation and natural resource management is becoming apparent. The government's shrinking fiscal space intensifies the limiting of budgets for crucial initiatives. Meanwhile, much of the private sector is yet to fully integrate nature into their business and investment decisions. To add new ideas to the debate and push the conversation further, CSF and Echelon are collaborating on a new interview series launching soon.

vendors in a market

JANUARY 22, 2024

A research methodology to understand stories of development and displacement in two of Colombo’s markets

In the bid to build a world class city, many of Colombo’s working class poor found themselves being displaced- displaced from both places of residence and places of business, as they did not align with Colombo’s evolving identity. This article presents a methodology, following an ethnographic approach to understanding development and the problems associated with it for those whose views are seldom included in the new city identity.

graphic of fungi and coins near a log

JANUARY 17, 2024

Expanding Green Finance in Sri Lanka’s Financial Services Sector

There is now a growing interest in Sri Lanka on the concepts and prospects for green finance among Sri Lankan policymakers, regulators, and financial intermediaries, and some initial steps have been made to orient towards green lending. Yet, how far has actual implementation come and what are the prospects for the near-term? What are some of the critical issues that the financial sector must contend with, as it aims to support investments in a climate-resilient and nature-positive economic recovery?

graphic of leopard

JANUARY 12, 2024

New Publication: ‘Conservation Trust Funds’ Knowledge Primer

As Sri Lanka looks to leverage innovative financial solutions for both public finance as well as environmental conservation objectives, a key mechanism that stakeholders must become familiar with is 'Conservations Trust Funds'. A new publication by helps unpack what Conservations Trusts are, what key features they have, why they are used, and provides some insightful examples of their deployment in other countries around the world.

matrix graph of finance and marine conservation

JANUARY 12, 2024

Applying Innovative Financial Instruments to Marine Conservation in Sri Lanka

Based on a suggestion at a recent Knowledge Roundtable hosted by CSF, our researchers set out to compare various innovative financial solutions available for conservation and identify which might be the most desirable and feasible to implement. It provides a starting point for industry players, regulators, policymakers, and other interested parties to make meaningful improvements to financing marine conservation in Sri Lanka

graphic of corals in the sea

JANUARY 12, 2024

New Publication: ‘Blue Bonds’ Knowledge Primer

A new publication by CSF helps unpack what blue bonds are, for stakeholders in both the finance as well as environment professions, alongside Sri Lanka's interest in pursuing such instruments following other developing countries like Seychelles, Belize, Barbados, and others.

Anchoring meaningful community participation at the heart of nature-based solutions in cities

SEPTEMBER 26, 2023

Anchoring meaningful community participation at the heart of nature-based solutions in cities

Nature-based solutions (NbS) aim to repair, sustain, and protect ecosystems while addressing societal challenges. They include biodiversity conservation, erosion control, wetland reforestation, climate change mitigation, food and water security, among others.

Dirty Business: Reading modernity in Colombo’s fish markets

SEPTEMBER 20, 2023

Dirty Business: Reading modernity in Colombo’s fish markets

The promise of a modern fish market complex is merely a promise, as the old market is significantly worse.

elephants in a Sri Lankan national park

SEPTEMBER 18, 2023

Financing Conservation: Six Mechanisms Sri Lanka Should Know About

Climate shocks and natural ecosystem losses pose development challenges, especially for developing countries like Sri Lanka. Economic crises and debt restructuring pressure these countries, highlighting the need for innovative financing solutions. This article explores six financial instruments and initiatives to inspire Sri Lanka's efforts.

Ride hailing gig worker driving a Tuk tuk

SEPTEMBER 14, 2023

Understanding Power Asymmetries in Platform-based Gig Work

A recent survey by CSF found gig workers desire independence, freedom, and flexibility, making it an attractive choice. This article explores power asymmetries in gig economy models in Sri Lanka, focusing on the reasons behind joining the gig economy.

trincomalee sea at sunset and boat

SEPTEMBER 11, 2023

A New Project on Innovative Financing for Sustainable Marine Conservation in Sri Lanka

Ecological conservation sites in Sri Lanka can benefit from improved financial planning and management, requiring alignment between conservation and financing stakeholders. However, lack of knowledge on science-based conservation metrics limits attention to this area.

Borrowing To Eat: The Impact of Sri Lanka’s Economic Crisis on Colombo’s Working Class Poor

SEPTEMBER 5, 2023

Borrowing To Eat: The Impact of Sri Lanka’s Economic Crisis on Colombo’s Working Class Poor

Colombo Urban Lab's policy brief on Sri Lanka's economic crisis highlights increased household debt and social security in working-class poor communities, highlighting the unique challenges faced by these families, despite the seemingly normal streets.

Policy-Lab on ‘Integrating Equity and Reframing Urban NbS in South Asian Cities’

AUGUST 16, 2023

Policy-Lab on ‘Integrating Equity and Reframing Urban NbS in South Asian Cities’

A two-day Policy-Lab in Colombo, Sri Lanka, on August 22-23, 2023, will focus on Nature-based Solutions (NbS) for South Asian cities, integrating equity and addressing unique challenges, with collaborations from Colombo Urban Lab, People's Alliance for Right to Land, Transitions Research, and International Centre for Climate Change and Development.

Circuits of Semiconductors and Affiliation: a Shallow Dive into the Small-Scale Mobile Phone Repair Sector

Circuits of Semiconductors and Affiliation: a Shallow Dive into the Small-Scale Mobile Phone Repair Sector

In Sri Lanka, the way telecommunication technologies have embedded themselves into people’s lives cannot be ignored. However, within this sector, the roles played by states and larger enterprises tend to overshadow ancillary roles played by people organised at smaller scales.

Beyond Pomp and Pageantry: Looking at Public Markets as Lived Spaces

Beyond Pomp and Pageantry: Looking at Public Markets as Lived Spaces

The reconfiguration of Colombo’s built environment and infrastructure has lasting consequences for the city’s food environment and people’s access to affordable fresh produce. This article discusses how public markets are more than the building in which its activities take place.

New Platform Initiated for Sri Lankan Young Professionals in Public Policy

New Platform Initiated for Sri Lankan Young Professionals in Public Policy

Emerging Sri Lankan public policy leaders have come together to form the country’s first platform for professional development and networking towards advancing better public policy capabilities. The Young Professionals in Public Policy (YPPP) was launched in May 2023, and is an initiative of the Centre for a Smart Future. The YPPP is much more reflective of the contemporary public policy space in Sri Lanka.

Breaking Point: Impact of Sri Lanka’s Economic Crisis on Colombo’s Working Class Poor

Breaking Point: Impact of Sri Lanka’s Economic Crisis on Colombo’s Working Class Poor

The economic crisis in Colombo has significantly impacted the working class poor, who were already struggling due to lockdowns and loss of daily wage work. The April 2023 policy brief updates the situation, discussing electricity tariff hikes, Welfare Benefits Board enumeration, and recommendations for State and policy support.

Valuing the Catch of the Day: Towards a more Humanised Food Value Chain

Valuing the Catch of the Day: Towards a more Humanised Food Value Chain

An article on the pricing of fish in Colombo, exploring more into the function and capacity of the markets to coordinate the movement of seafood from the ocean to our plates using price mechanism and relationships.

New Publication: ‘Debt for Nature Swaps’ Knowledge Primer

New Publication: ‘Debt for Nature Swaps’ Knowledge Primer

A new paper under CSF’s Natural Capital Forum explores a sovereign financing instrument linked to nature called Debt for nature swaps (DFNS), their usage globally and relevance to Sri Lanka in overcoming the debt crisis and fiscal constraints to conservation.

Is Gig Work in Sri Lanka Enabling Female Participation in the Workforce?

JANUARY 26, 2023

Is Gig Work in Sri Lanka Enabling Female Participation in the Workforce?

A recent survey in Sri Lanka shows that relatively less women were engaged in gig economy work despite its relative flexibility, equal pay opportunities, and low barriers to entry. This article explores some of the drivers and issues.

Is Gig Work in Sri Lanka Enabling Female Participation in the Workforce?

JANUARY 26, 2023

Is Gig Work in Sri Lanka Enabling Female Participation in the Workforce?

A recent survey in Sri Lanka shows that relatively less women were engaged in gig economy work despite its relative flexibility, equal pay opportunities, and low barriers to entry. This article explores some of the drivers and issues.

Is Gig Work Really Part-time in Sri Lanka?: Findings from a Survey

JANUARY 13, 2023

Is Gig Work Really Part-time in Sri Lanka?: Findings from a Survey

Despite the perception that gig work is largely part-time, our recent survey finds that most workers in location-based gig work actually work full-time on the platforms. Yet, they are typically not recognised as ‘employees’.

Is Gig Work Really Part-time in Sri Lanka?: Findings from a Survey

JANUARY 13, 2023

Is Gig Work Really Part-time in Sri Lanka?: Findings from a Survey

Despite the perception that gig work is largely part-time, our recent survey finds that most workers in location-based gig work actually work full-time on the platforms. Yet, they are typically not recognised as ‘employees’.

Chasing Efficiency While Leaving the Vulnerable to Their Own Devices

JANUARY 9, 2023

Chasing Efficiency While Leaving the Vulnerable to Their Own Devices

Solving issues related to people’s capacities to access infrastructure requires a more grounded approach that’s sensitive to understanding the variety of contexts in which people live, and not only counting and accounting revenue generated, costs incurred, and average monthly incomes.

Opinion: ‘Trimming the Fat’ in Sri Lanka’s Enterprise-support Institutions

JANUARY 3, 2023

Opinion: ‘Trimming the Fat’ in Sri Lanka’s Enterprise-support Institutions

Sri Lanka must consolidate its enterprise-support agencies into one single agency, that is smaller, sharper, and with a clear and unambiguous mandate - to improve SME competitiveness towards creating more export-ready and near export-ready firms. The need of the hour is not generic SME development and enterprise support initiatives.

Why Moving Beyond GDP is Essential to Avert Planetary Disaster

NOVEMBER 16, 2022

Why Moving Beyond GDP is Essential to Avert Planetary Disaster

Moving beyond GDP and focusing on ‘green growth’ could unlock a host of new opportunities such as job creation, restoration of natural capital, and increased climate adaptation. Policymakers must explore alternatives to GDP to anchor Sri Lanka’s recovery from the economic crisis.

LSE Event on ‘Looking Ahead in Sri Lanka’: Four Priorities for the Near-term

NOVEMBER 3, 2022

LSE Event on ‘Looking Ahead in Sri Lanka’: Four Priorities for the Near-term

CSF Co-founder Anushka Wijesinha was recently invited by the London School of Economics South Asia Centre to speak at a forum on 'Looking Ahead in Sri Lanka', alongside four eminent panelists. Here is a recap of his key points.

How Can Sri Lanka Improve Gender Considerations in its Trade Agreements?

OCTOBER 15, 2022

How Can Sri Lanka Improve Gender Considerations in its Trade Agreements?

CSF Visiting Fellow Dr Janaka Wijayasiri argues that as the country begins to explore FTAs once again, it is timely to consider mainstreaming gender into Sri Lanka's trade policy and trade agreements taking into the gender inequality in the country.

New Working Paper Released: ‘Sri Lanka – Singapore FTA Four Years On’

SEPTEMBER 28, 2022

New Working Paper Released: ‘Sri Lanka – Singapore FTA Four Years On’

This Working Paper reviews bilateral trade performance, explains some of the key domestic economic policy contexts during and after the FTA was signed, discusses some of the key issues that emerged, and takes an initial look at prospects.

Food for Thought: Rethinking Home Gardening and Subsistence Agriculture

SEPTEMBER 19, 2022

Food for Thought: Rethinking Home Gardening and Subsistence Agriculture

Home gardening has gained popularity as a solution to food insecurity in Colombo. The Minister of Agriculture encouraged public to grow food in their gardens, but this doesn't completely eradicate the issue. More targeted support is needed for communities without space or resources. Recommendations based on empirical evidence are provided to help increase dietary diversity and reduce food insecurity impact.

Are Marine Conservation and Sri Lanka’s Maritime Hub Ambitions Compatible?

AUGUST 31, 2022

Are Marine Conservation and Sri Lanka’s Maritime Hub Ambitions Compatible?

Nishan Perera - Sri Lanka's leading marine ecologist, an avid diver and underwater photographer - argues that contradictory policies are hurting our prospects for striking a smarter balance between marine conservation and maritime-related economics activities like fisheries and tourism.

Is Economic Valuation of Biodiversity Necessary for Successful Conservation?

AUGUST 22, 2022

Is Economic Valuation of Biodiversity Necessary for Successful Conservation?

The debate on whether biodiversity should be economically valued remains highly polarized and a more nuanced contextual approach is required. Yet, it's clear that striking a balance between environmental, social and economic objectives is vital.

Debt or Disconnection: Prioritising Energy Justice in Economic Recovery

AUGUST 18, 2022

Debt or Disconnection: Prioritising Energy Justice in Economic Recovery

The article examines the proposed electricity tariff revision from the perspective of the urban poor in Colombo, arguing it fails to account for financial pressures and changes in electricity usage, and offers recommendations for energy justice.

Changing How We Think About Economic Growth and Nature

AUGUST 13, 2022

Changing How We Think About Economic Growth and Nature

The fact that the creation of a 269 hectare artificial land parcel attached to the capital, with sand extracted from nature, materially changed the country’s GDP base was startling. It reaffirmed our growing discontent on how we measure economic growth.

Sri Lanka Must Use GSP Plus for Smarter Positioning on Sustainability

AUGUST 10, 2022

Sri Lanka Must Use GSP Plus for Smarter Positioning on Sustainability

In this interview in the Smarter Sustainability series, Anisha Rajapakse explores key issues for Sri Lanka in strengthening its positioning as a trusted and preferred sourcing location for EU buyers, using GSP+ and beyond.

Sri Lanka: Anatomy of a Crisis and the Path Ahead

AUGUST 10, 2022

Sri Lanka: Anatomy of a Crisis and the Path Ahead

This article serves to provide an international reader with a more useful reference point for the recent origins, evolution, and dimensions of Sri Lanka’s economic crisis, and selected perspectives on the policy issues and path ahead, from an economist’s perspective.

Debt or Disconnection: CEB’s Tariff Hikes and the Urban Poor

Debt or Disconnection: CEB’s Tariff Hikes and the Urban Poor

This article interrogates the proposed CEB electricity tariffs, and unpacks crucial equity considerations that have been missed in the public discourse. It argues that households’ diverse consumption patterns must be considered, alongside existing vulnerabilities like financial debt.

Impact of Sri Lanka’s Economic Crisis on the Exports Sector

Impact of Sri Lanka’s Economic Crisis on the Exports Sector

While steady growth in exports was recorded in the year 2021, Sri Lanka’s deepening economic crisis runs the serious risk of impacting the export recovery achieved to date. This article reviews some key data points and industry insights.

Should Civil Service Reform and Public Finance Reform Go Together?

Should Civil Service Reform and Public Finance Reform Go Together?

management came into focus alongside the economic crisis, we ask an international PFM expert whether PFM reform needs to be coupled with meaningful civil service reform for it to be truly impactful.

Austerity and Vulnerability: Better Solutions to Support the Poor During Economic Crises

Austerity and Vulnerability: Better Solutions to Support the Poor During Economic Crises

In this in-depth interview featuring key data points, Dr. Anila Dias Bandaranaike (a former senior Central Banker, and poverty data expert), speaks about the problems with our current approaches to social safety nets and her ideas for better solutions.

New Working Paper Released: ‘Governance of Digital Technologies in South Asia’

New Working Paper Released: ‘Governance of Digital Technologies in South Asia’

This paper explores the status of digital governance in South Asia, with a specific focus on Sri Lanka, India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. The research explores four major thematic areas - cybersecurity, data protection, artificial intelligence, and mis/disinformation.

From Bad to Worse: Understanding and Supporting Colombo’s Urban Poor Families in Crisis

From Bad to Worse: Understanding and Supporting Colombo’s Urban Poor Families in Crisis

Researchers from the Colombo Urban Lab highlight the food insecurity faced by 72% of low-income households in Colombo, highlighting the worsening situation due to the COVID-19 lockdowns and economic crisis. They recommend universal support for relief, avoiding targeting to exacerbate community divisions.

Sri Lanka’s Economic Crisis is Hurting Education and Students’ Future Prospects

Sri Lanka’s Economic Crisis is Hurting Education and Students’ Future Prospects

Amidst other economic reforms, the critical state of the education sector has received relatively less attention. Sri Lanka needs a comprehensive action plan that is student-centric, in order to help students and teachers manage the current crisis.

Sri Lanka’s Economic Crisis is Hurting Education and Students’ Future Prospects

Sri Lanka’s Economic Crisis is Hurting Education and Students’ Future Prospects

Amidst other economic reforms, the critical state of the education sector has received relatively less attention. Sri Lanka needs a comprehensive action plan that is student-centric, in order to help students and teachers manage the current crisis.

Sri Lanka needs a ‘sensible’ fiscal adjustment plan – CSF Co-Founder

Sri Lanka needs a ‘sensible’ fiscal adjustment plan – CSF Co-Founder

CSF Co-Founder Anushka Wijesinha was interviewed by Andrea Sanke of the leading Turkish global news channel TRT World, on their show 'Newsmakers' to talk about the ongoing economic crisis in Sri Lanka, along with two other Sri Lankan experts.

Sri Lanka’s political turmoil risks derailing the economy further

Sri Lanka’s political turmoil risks derailing the economy further

The East Asia Forum, a joint initiative of the East Asian Bureau of Economic Research and the South Asian Bureau of Economic Research, reports on Sri Lanka's political turmoil, economic downturn, and potential sovereign debt default, highlighting the country's vulnerability to external shocks.

Credit lines would provide temporary respite but sustainable solutions needed

Credit lines would provide temporary respite but sustainable solutions needed

CSF Co-Founder Anushka Wijesinha was interviewed by Gargi Rawat of NDTV (India) to explain to an Indian audience the current economic crisis in Sri Lanka and what the prospects are in the near-term.

Making Sri Lanka’s Technology Transition More Inclusive

FEBRUARY 5, 2022

Making Sri Lanka’s Technology Transition More Inclusive

Sri Lanka needs to focus on enhancing technology access, usage, and literacy across the board, to help workers be better prepared for jobs in the technology sector. Without it, Sri Lanka’s ambitions for digital-led development will leave youth behind.

Budget Makers for the Country Must Listen to the Budget Makers of the Home

DECEMBER 1, 2021

Budget Makers for the Country Must Listen to the Budget Makers of the Home

Since the lockdown in March 2020, discussions with working-class poor communities in Colombo have primarily focused on budgets and prioritizing expenditure based on needs and income. The challenge is to transform these struggles into experiences where needs can be met with well-funded institutions.

Housing in a Pandemic: Need for New Methods of Engagement

OCTOBER 20, 2021

Housing in a Pandemic: Need for New Methods of Engagement

The COVID pandemic has highlighted the importance of safe environments and the rights of everyone, including access to trees, gardens, and children's playtime. Advocacy must use data and intersections to make points clear, even in court, and translate intangible aspects into comprehensible language for policymakers.

Attracting Good FDI Starts with Designing Good Incentives Regimes

SEPTEMBER 22, 2021

Attracting Good FDI Starts with Designing Good Incentives Regimes

In this interview, former Deloitte consultant Danindu Udalamaththa outlines some key areas for Sri Lanka to focus on in designing good incentives frameworks to attract good quality foreign direct investment.

Solving SME Development Challenges: Looking Beyond Easy Loan Schemes

SEPTEMBER 12, 2021

Solving SME Development Challenges: Looking Beyond Easy Loan Schemes

In this interview with finance and investment specialist Sharini Kulasinghe, we explore some new perspectives on solving SME development challenges (especially SME access to finance), going beyond the conventional wisdom.

Shift to Organic Agriculture Must be Staged and Strategic

SEPTEMBER 11, 2021

Shift to Organic Agriculture Must be Staged and Strategic

Sri Lanka's President has announced a policy directive to transition to 100% organic farming and ban chemical fertilizers and agro-chemicals. The decision has sparked debate, with concerns about food security and export impacts. Agriculture economist Chatura Rodrigo discusses the transition, implications for farmers, and policy gaps.

Involuntary Resettlement in Sri Lanka – Urgent Need for Reform

AUGUST 14, 2021

Involuntary Resettlement in Sri Lanka – Urgent Need for Reform

Dispossession can have generational impacts on communities, causing loss of home, land, livelihood, and way of life. Involuntary resettlement is not fair, and it's crucial to ensure communities are not worse off post relocation.

GLOBAL VOICES: Interview with Leonora Milan, Mexico’s Leading Young Science Communicator

GLOBAL VOICES: Interview with Leonora Milan, Mexico’s Leading Young Science Communicator

Leonora Milan, Mexico’s leading science communicator, shares her thoughts on the shape of the public debates on science, climate change, environmental issues, and policy in Mexico, as part of CSF’s 'Global Voices' series.

SIGNALS OF CHANGE: Three Emerging Post-Covid Trends for Sri Lanka’s Apparel Sector

SIGNALS OF CHANGE: Three Emerging Post-Covid Trends for Sri Lanka’s Apparel Sector

Sri Lanka’s apparel industry – a significant export revenue earner and employer – was substantially hit by the pandemic. Moving from recovery to resilience and a new phase of growth will be shaped by three key trends.

Fiscal Constraints Amidst COVID-19: Sri Lanka on Red Notice for Tax Reform

Fiscal Constraints Amidst COVID-19: Sri Lanka on Red Notice for Tax Reform

COVID-19 caused severe economic challenges worldwide, including a negative 3.6% growth in Sri Lanka in 2020. A lockdown by the government led to a drop in economic activity and job losses. The government intervened by providing limited stimulus, including cash transfers and low-interest loans, and investing heavily in infrastructure development to help the economy rebound.

Refreshing Growth in Sri Lanka’s Provinces: Changing the Narrative

Refreshing Growth in Sri Lanka’s Provinces: Changing the Narrative

CSF Visiting Fellow Dr Janaka Wijayasiri argues that as the country begins to explore FTAs once again, it is timely to consider mainstreaming gender into Sri Lanka's trade policy and trade agreements taking into the gender inequality in the country.

SIGNALS OF CHANGE: Can Blockchain Solve Trade Finance Bottlenecks?

SIGNALS OF CHANGE: Can Blockchain Solve Trade Finance Bottlenecks?

Trade finance is currently full of inefficiencies, and access to trade finance has proved to be a continual challenge for SME exporters. The industry is ripe for disruption, and blockchain is proving to be a key source of disruptive innovation.

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