Country
Sri Lanka
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
February 24, 2023
This Week in Asia: February 24, 2023
The Diplomat’s weekly video round-up of Asia news.
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.
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.
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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