More useful comparator for #SriLanka isn’t ‘liberation day’ tariffs 44% vs ‘new 09 July’ 30% (“we got a big ⬇️”); rather, SL 30% vs competitors (esp in apparels) like Vietnam 20%. This will determine X comp. Meanwhile, VN confident of resilience - 16 FTAs! reuters.com/world/asia-pac…

World Bank 2025 report on FDI: ‘Take measures that attract good quality FDI that drives trade-led growth’ Sri Lanka: We will have a clock tower art piece at Port City and give it tax exemptions sundaytimes.lk/250720/news/la…

Read our latest op-ed on why trade policy uncertainty is hurting businesses - sundayobserver.lk/2025/07/20/bus…, and take part in our survey to understand the evolving scenario for Sri Lankan exporters forms.gle/PQjtkacHhEXz4a…

Here’s to a fantastic return to academia and adding new evidence and insights on global macro, Gita Gopinath! It was wonderful meeting you during your visit to Colombo and exchange frank views on #SriLanka’s economic trajectory

The increase of tariffs on all merchandise imported from Sri Lanka to 44%, its subsequent reduction to 10%, and the current level of 20% plus previous HS code specific tariffs is nothing to be thankful for. The fact is that a major trading partner has unilaterally jacked up

I asked him every possible way. But Minister Anil Jayantha, on 360 tonight, refused to say what Sri Lanka offered to get the tariff down to 20% in the Trump trade talks. His Answer: “Talks are ongoing.” Are we trading in secrets? Don’t the people deserve to know what’s being

In a new report on platform labour in #Colombo, CSF argues that platform companies like Uber and PickMe (Sri Lanka) can do much more to help gig workers adapt to climate stress, like heat. Read here to learn more about our findings and recommendations csf-asia.org/navigating-gig…

Flexibility is often touted as a feature that makes gig work attractive. But in practice, it is algorithms that determine how gig workers’ make money. Read our new report to understand how algorithmic management influences gig workers’ incomes & incentives csf-asia.org/navigating-gig…

How to navigate entrenched vested interests, political pressures, tough trade unions, and move reforms forward? Suresh Shah experienced this first hand. Hear how he did it, what he achieved, what he could not, at our latest YPPP meet-up 📅 4 Sep 🕧 6pm 🔗 forms.gle/kjrZ6cX3Nunomq…

This shouldn’t even be news! Risks giving it a tinge of “SOE reform”. It should be BAU and just been done ages ago.

Impressive to see Sri Lankan biz chambers go beyond the usual statements to taking up a matter in court. FTZMA. NCCSL, and SLCSMI. Will be interesting to see how this plays out | ‘Sri Lanka biz chambers go to court against SVAT removal’ economynext.com/sri-lanka-biz-…

Sri Lankan policymakers must double down on trade reforms - not just tariff and para-tariffs, but complementary policies that support outward orientation, trade competitiveness, and growth. It was a pleasure to speak at this World Bank South Asia webinar last week alongside a top panel