Blog - Latest Articles & Guides

Sri Lanka's Recovery "Still Incomplete": What That Means for Ordinary People

The World Bank characterizes Sri Lanka's post-crisis trajectory as "strong but incomplete," with poverty rates 10% above 2019 levels and 25% of households grappling with food insecurity despite 5.4% Q3 growth. Macro indicators shine—reserves $5.2B, inflation 5.8%, debt stabilizing—but micro-level s...

Dec 24, 2025 39

Startups 2 min read

Can Sri Lanka's Digital Economy Become a Real Jobs Engine?

The World Bank's $50 million initiative catalyzes Sri Lanka's digital economy by attracting $10 million in private investment for accelerators, skill hubs, and mid-sized tech firm expansion targeting international markets. Platforms like StartupSL connect 50,000 freelancers with global clients, whi...

Dec 24, 2025 38

Technology 2 min read

World Bank $50M for Sri Lanka Digital ID and Services: Benefits and Risks

The World Bank's $50 million digital transformation project, greenlit on December 19, 2025, positions Sri Lanka at the forefront of South Asian e-governance, delivering digital public infrastructure for 10 million citizens through unified IDs, service portals, and a secure government cloud. The fla...

Dec 24, 2025 21

Business & Economy 3 min read

Cyclone Ditwah's $2B Damage to Sri Lanka: Economic Toll and Recovery Path

Cyclone Ditwah struck in early December 2025 with devastating force, inflicting an estimated $2 billion in damages across Sri Lanka's Eastern and Northern Provinces, contracting GDP growth by 0.5-0.7% and displacing over 500,000 people from their homes. The storm's torrential rains flooded 150,000...

Dec 24, 2025 34

Business & Economy 3 min read

Sri Lanka Budget 2026: 16% Revenue Target to Slash Debt – Family Impacts

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake unveiled Budget 2026 with an ambitious projection of government revenue reaching 16% of GDP, equivalent to Rs3.2 trillion, a significant leap from 14.5% in 2024 and a cornerstone for reducing public debt below 97% of GDP. This fiscal roadmap, presented amid 5.4% q...

Dec 24, 2025 38

Business & Economy 4 min read

Sri Lanka's 5.4% Growth: Recovery or Mirage?

Sri Lanka's economy surged 5.4% year-on-year in the third quarter of 2025, delivering its most vigorous expansion since the devastating 2022 financial crisis that triggered sovereign default and widespread hardship. According to the Department of Census and Statistics, this impressive growth was pr...

Dec 24, 2025 24

Technology 1 min read

US SPEED Act: AI Infrastructure Race vs China

The United States has passed the "SPEED Act," a massive legislative push to accelerate AI infrastructure development and counter China's tech dominance. The act streamlines permitting for chip fabs and data centers. For neutral nations like Sri Lanka, this intensifies the competition for hosting...

Dec 23, 2025 23

Technology 1 min read

Ford Halts F-150 EV Production: Supply Chain Lessons

Ford Motor Company has temporarily halted production of its electric F-150 Lightning, citing battery supply chain bottlenecks and shifting demand. This development serves as a critical case study for global EV markets, including Sri Lanka. Local experts argue this underscores the need for vertic...

Dec 23, 2025 17

Crypto & Blockchain 1 min read

US Crypto Policies Rattle EU: Stability Risks

Recent aggressive policy shifts in the United States regarding stablecoins and DeFi have sent ripples through the European Union's crypto market. EU regulators are expressing concern that regulatory arbitrage could destabilize the euro-denominated digital asset market. Analysts warn that this tr...

Dec 23, 2025 40

Crypto & Blockchain 1 min read

Ripple's SEC Appeal Win: Regulatory Shifts

In a landmark decision, Ripple has secured a significant victory in its appeal against the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The court ruled in favor of Ripple on key aspects of token classification, sending XRP prices soaring. The ruling is expected to force a rewrite of US crypto re...

Dec 23, 2025 35

Crypto & Blockchain 1 min read

BlackRock's Europe Bitcoin ETP Launch: Institutional Adoption

BlackRock has expanded its dominance in the digital asset space with the launch of a new Bitcoin Exchange Traded Product (ETP) in Europe. The move provides European institutional investors with a regulated, familiar vehicle to gain exposure to Bitcoin. Market watchers believe this will increase...

Dec 23, 2025 38

Crypto & Blockchain 1 min read

Surging Narratives: Crypto Cards Hit $406M, Robotics-Blockchain Fusion

The utility of cryptocurrencies in daily commerce is undeniable, with global crypto card transaction volumes hitting a record $406 million this month. This surge is mirrored in Sri Lanka, where freelancers increasingly use crypto cards for international spending. Simultaneously, a new market nar...

Dec 23, 2025 37