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IMF to Assess Sri Lankan Governance as Part of $3 Billion Bailout
March 21, 2023

IMF to Assess Sri Lankan Governance as Part of $3 Billion Bailout

By Krishan Francis
The country has the dubious distinction of being the first Asian country to face scrutiny for corruption as part of a bailout program.

Sri Lankan State Workers Strike, Protesting High Taxes
March 15, 2023

Sri Lankan State Workers Strike, Protesting High Taxes

By Krishan Francis
The government says it was compelled to raise taxes to strengthen state revenue, a key prerequisite to unlocking the $2.9 billion IMF package.
Sri Lankan President’s Plan for Nuclear Power Could Run Into Opposition
March 09, 2023

Sri Lankan President’s Plan for Nuclear Power Could Run Into Opposition

By P.K. Balachandran
Notwithstanding the merits of nuclear power from a clean energy perspective, Ranil Wickremesinghe’s plan may face public opposition due to cost and safety issues.

In Sri Lanka, Opposition Parties Allege a Secret CIA Visit
March 09, 2023

In Sri Lanka, Opposition Parties Allege a Secret CIA Visit

By Uditha Devapriya
Sri Lanka hosted two high-level delegations from the U.S. in February – including one that opposition parties say was cover for a secret mission by the head of the CIA.

Sri Lanka Leader Says IMF Deal Imminent After China’s Pledge
March 07, 2023

Sri Lanka Leader Says IMF Deal Imminent After China’s Pledge

By Krishan Francis
With Beijing extending debt restructuring assurances, the last obstacle in the way of Sri Lanka securing the bailout deal has been removed.

Why Is Trincomalee Port Still Undeveloped?  
March 04, 2023

Why Is Trincomalee Port Still Undeveloped?  

By P.K. Balachandran
Plans to develop the port in eastern Sri Lanka have repeatedly stalled out, due to a variety of internal and external factors. 

The Real Cause of Sri Lanka’s Debt Trap
March 02, 2023

The Real Cause of Sri Lanka’s Debt Trap

By Bram Nicholas and Shiran Illanperuma
Sri Lanka’s default highlights the dangers of relying on international sovereign bonds – with high interest rates – to fund development.
China Should Rethink Its Position on Debt
February 25, 2023

China Should Rethink Its Position on Debt

By Sarah Saadoun
China has lent over $1 trillion to more than 150 countries as part of its Belt and Road Initiative, making it the world’s largest official creditor.

This Week in Asia: February 24, 2023
February 24, 2023

This Week in Asia: February 24, 2023

The Diplomat’s weekly video round-up of Asia news.

Sri Lanka Government Develops Cold Feet, Calls Off Local Elections
February 21, 2023

Sri Lanka Government Develops Cold Feet, Calls Off Local Elections

By Rathindra Kuruwita
Fearing that it will be routed in elections, the ruling party unleashed a propaganda campaign to convince people that elections amid the economic crisis are a bad idea.

The Geopolitics of Sri Lanka’s Energy Crisis 
February 16, 2023

The Geopolitics of Sri Lanka’s Energy Crisis 

By Lasanda Kurukulasuriya
Recent visits to Colombo by top officials from India and the U.S. illustrate how Sri Lanka’s power sector is becoming a theater of big power rivalry.
China Expresses Support for Sri Lanka Ahead of Debt Meeting
February 15, 2023

China Expresses Support for Sri Lanka Ahead of Debt Meeting

By Joe McDonald and Bharatha Mallawarachi
Beijing is resisting cuts to Sri Lanka's debts for fear other borrowers will want similar relief.

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