Category: Daily Financial Times

Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) MP Namal Rajapaksa announced that he and several colleagues from the party have chosen not to accept the official cab vehicles allocated to them.

Rajapaksa said the decision was made to hand over the three vehicles to the Ministry of Health as a show of solidarity and to assist efforts to improve the country’s healthcare services.

Sri Lanka risks missing a historic opportunity to lead in sustainable tourism due to fragmented leadership, weak governance, and a lack of coherent national strategy, experts warned at the 39th Confederation of Asia-Pacific Chambers of Commerce and Industry (CACCI) Annual Conference in Colombo. The plenary session, ‘Tourism as a Catalyst for Economic Growth in the Asia-Pacific Region,’ brought together industry leaders, who argued that despite the country’s natural diversity, its tourism model remains reactive, personality-driven, and ill-prepared for a sustainable future.

World Rural Tourism Council Vice Chairman Dr. Rohantha Athukorala said the country’s tourism policies change too often, leaving no room for consistency or data-based planning.

‘When one chairman leaves the institution and goes to the next, you have a new chairman who will do a totally new strategy,’ he said. ‘In some countries I have visited, they have had 17 different approaches in 31 years. What is important is to make tourism a science that is data-driven. Only then will there be a real shift in the industry.’

He pointed to Croatia’s post-war tourism revival as a model Sri Lanka could learn from. ‘They launched a campaign called ‘Full of Life,’ focused on clear brand pillars, and used tourism to rebuild their economy. Today, tourism brings in $ 20 billion annually,’ Dr. Athukorala said. ‘According to a global survey done a few years ago, only 4% of the world knows Sri Lanka. That is the story we have to tell the world if we want to be relevant again.’

He argued that Sri Lanka’s rebranding as the most ethical destination in South Asia could succeed only if guided by a stable, professional structure. ‘Tourism must be run by a CEO, not by changing chairmen with changing agendas,’ he said. ‘That is how we make tourism a science, not an art driven by whims.’

CACCI Asian Council on Tourism Chairman Anura Lokuhetty, drawing on more than four decades of experience in the industry, said Sri Lanka’s abundance of tourism products has paradoxically become its weakness.

‘We are one of the most fortunate countries in the world to have so many tourism products. But that has also misled us,’ he said. ‘The Maldives focused only on sea and beach tourism and built a clear global brand. We have so much to offer that we lose focus.’

Lokuhetty said Sri Lanka must now define its limits and priorities.

‘I don’t think we can handle more than 4 million tourists,’ he cautioned. ‘We have to think sustainably. Every time a crisis hits, we start from scratch with another master plan. What tourism needs is a CEO, not changing committees. The Government seems more focused now, and that is encouraging because tourism can be the biggest source of foreign exchange for the country.’

He noted that globally, tourism ranks among the top four foreign exchange earners in 80 countries and creates around 13 jobs for every $ 1 million in revenue. ‘In Sri Lanka, tourism contributes about 12% to GDP, every $ 1 spent by a tourist generates $ 2.5 in local income and that multiplier effect is vital,’ he said.

Global Strategic Corporate Sustainability Ltd., Chairman and CEO Dr. Ravi Fernando said Sri Lanka already possesses the natural and cultural assets for sustainable tourism but lacks execution. ‘If we can add just half a million sustainable tourists, profitability will rise significantly. But this requires everyone-from policymakers to operators-to understand sustainable tourism,’ he said.

He highlighted the economic opportunity from the global shift towards responsible travel.

‘Globally, there are 1.4 billion tourists today, rising to 1.8 billion by 2035. Within that, sustainable tourists will increase from 260 million to 630 million,’ he said. ‘They spend $ 250 to $ 400 a night and stay twice as long as conventional travellers. Yet, Asia attracts less than 10% of this market.’

Dr. Fernando said Costa Rica provides the most successful model for sustainable tourism.

‘They dismantled their army and invested in education and eco-tourism. Today, 40% of their GDP comes from sustainable tourism,’ he said. ‘Asia needs at least two destinations developed to that standard. Bhutan and Nepal are on the right path. Sri Lanka could be too, if we take coordinated action.’

He also pointed to the need for professional branding and targeted engagement with high-value markets.

‘The sustainable tourists live mainly in Western Europe, North America, and Oceania. They want destinations that protect biodiversity, manage carbon footprints, and offer authentic local experiences. We need to communicate to them with clarity and purpose,’ he said.

Colombo University Sustainable Tourism Unit Coordinator and Tourism Studies Program Head Prof. Suranga Silva said Sri Lanka’s policy frameworks and research capacity lag behind the global shift towards sustainability.

‘While 93% of hoteliers know about sustainable tourism, most informal operators, who make up a large share of the sector, lack awareness and regulation,’ he said. ‘We talk about 4 million tourists, but we don’t have the airports, infrastructure, or environmental safeguards to handle them.’

Prof. Silva said the concept of sustainability must move from rhetoric to reality. ‘

Sustainability is not an agenda for 2030. It is a lifeline for the future of tourism,’ he said. ‘Many countries are now seeing tourism as a phobia because of pollution and cultural disruption. If we keep chasing numbers without value addition, we will face the same fate.’

He said research conducted by his students identified 10 major gaps, from lack of education and communication to inadequate regulation and coordination.

‘Government policy must be evidence-based. We have the potential to become the Costa Rica of South Asia, but for that we must fix our inner mindset. The outer challenges are economic, but the inner challenge is attitudinal,’ he said.

The panel noted that Sri Lanka’s tourism revival depends on leadership, discipline, and a unified national brand built on sustainability. As Dr. Fernando said: ‘The opportunity is immense, but unless we move from ambition to action, from doing less harm to doing more good, we will remain unprepared for the tourism future that is already here.’

The Institute of Supply and Materials Management (ISMM) successfully held the National Supply Chain Day 2025 Celebrations on 24 October 2025 at the Monarch Imperial, Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte, in collaboration with the Ministry of Industries and the Industrial Development Board (IDB).

The event marked a significant milestone for Sri Lanka’s supply chain community, recognising over five decades of ISMM’s contribution to developing professional standards in Supply Chain Management (SCM).

Established on 24th October 1972 and incorporated by an Act of Parliament (Act No. 3 of 1981), ISMM continues to be the nation’s leading institution in advancing supply chain education and practice.

The day-long celebrations were held under the theme ‘Empowering Sri Lanka’s Supply Chain: Innovation and Resilience in a Global Landscape.’

The morning seminar featured technical sessions, a CEO Forum, and an Industry Forum, bringing together prominent local and international experts, corporate leaders, and practitioners. The Chief Guest of the event was Ports and Civil Aviation Deputy Minister Eng. Janitha Ruwan Kodithuwakku, while the Guest of Honour was Siam City Cement (Lanka) Ltd., Chairman and CEO Nandana Ekanayake. The Keynote Address was delivered by New Zealand High Commissioner to Sri Lanka and Maldives David Pine.

The first technical session, themed ‘Innovative Practices for Supply Chain Resilience,’ was chaired by

Fairway Holdings Former Group CEO Imal Fonseka with presentations by The Pathfinder Foundation Executive Director Dr. Dayaratne Silva and Fairway Holdings Group CEO Ashean Karthelis.

The CEO Forum, chaired by Ceylon Biscuits Ltd, CEO Nalin Karunaratne, focused on ‘Navigating Global Disruption: Executive Strategies for Supply Chain Continuity.’ Industry leaders Nestlé Lanka Chairman and Managing Director Bernhard Stefan, Singer Sri Lanka Group CEO/Managing Director Mahesh Wijewardane, Lanka Corrugated Industries Chairman Benet Gamlath, PrintEcel Packaging Director/CEO Duminda Perera and DIMO PLC Executive Director Chaminda Ranawana shared insights on resilience and leadership during volatile times.

The third technical session, chaired by ISMM Past President I. G. Perera, centered on ‘Digital Transformation in Supply Chain Management.’ Presentations were delivered by Ascent Business Solutions Senior General Manager Shiran Hettiarachchi and Dwara One CEO Nipuna Jayathilake, who explored the integration of AI and digital tools in modern supply chains.

An engaging Industry Forum, moderated by ISMM Vice President Prof. Sanath Divakara, discussed ‘Supply Chain Excellence through Strategic Integration.’ Speakers included INSEE Cement Chief Operating Officer Thusith Gunawarnasuriya, Ceylon Agro Industries Prima Group General Manager Sajith Gunarathne, EFL 3PL Sri Lanka CEO Nishan Hewagamage, Lanka Sathosa Chairman Samitha Perera, and Lion Brewery Ceylon PLC Senior Vice President Procurement Gihan Vidanapathirana.

The evening segment featured the National Supply Chain Excellence Awards and the 53rd Anniversary Banquet Dinner of ISMM. The prestigious awards recognised exceptional achievements in supply chain management across multiple categories and sectors.

The Chief Guest of the event was Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Deputy Minister Chathuranga Abeysinghe while the Guest of Honour was the International Federation of Procurement and Supply Management (IFPSM) President Eng. Chris Oanda.

In a three-match series of any format, winning the first contest is imperative, otherwise it puts the losing team in a position of a must-win situation going into the second.

That is what Sri Lanka is experiencing at the moment going into the second ODI against Pakistan at Rawalpindi tomorrow, where they need to win to keep the series alive.

Sri Lanka came as close as six runs to pull off a win, chasing a tall order of 300. But, for some poor decisions made on the field, they squandered their chances of winning. Most notable was burning their reviews as early as the 11th over in a 50-over contest.

To say the least, both lbw reviews Sri Lanka took were poor – Asitha Fernando against Saim Ayub in the third over and Janith Liyanage against Fakhar Zaman in the 11th over. On both occasions, the ball was pitching outside the leg stump. Little did Sri Lanka know that these reviews they burnt would come back to haunt them.

It eventually happened in the 24th over, with Pakistan struggling at 95-4 and Wanindu Hasaranga on a roll. A ball from Hasaranga trapped Hussain Talat (0) in front of the wicket, and Sri Lanka were convinced he was out, but umpire Asif Yaqoob got it terribly wrong and ruled not out.

Talat went on to forge a match-winning partnership of 138 with his Captain Salman Agha that enabled Pakistan to recover and post a challenging total of 299-5. With no reviews left, Sri Lanka were left to learn a painful lesson. It was a lesson that came at the cost of the game.

Then, in the chase, Sri Lanka threw away a great start of 85 given by Pathum Nissanka and debutant Kamil Mishara, and allowed Pakistan into the game when Haris Rauf in a sensational spell sent back Mishara, Kusal Mendis, and Nissanka within the space of 11 balls as Sri Lanka slumped to 90-3. They recovered somewhat and by the end of the 30th over, they needed 121 runs off 120 balls with six wickets in hand.

In that context, most teams would have backed themselves to win comfortably. Even as late as the 47th over, Sri Lanka were still marginally ahead of Pakistan in comparison. And yet, they couldn’t finish it off. It was Sri Lanka’s game to lose. They held the advantage at key moments when bowling and batting, but couldn’t seize control when it mattered most.

When there was an opportunity to shut the door on Pakistan, a stroke of rashness on the part of Captain Charith Asalanka, who had been batting beautifully with Janith Liyanage, allowed the opposition to come back into the game once again.

Asalanka went for a big slog against spinner Mohammad Nawaz and was beaten and stumped. It was a stroke that was totally unnecessary at that stage of the game. Sri Lanka lost Liyanage and Kamindu Mendis in quick succession to be 210-7.

Hasaranga, who has never fulfilled his talents as a batsman, came to the fore. All he needed was someone to stay with him and he would have taken his team across the line. But Dushmantha Chameera, instead of doing that, tried to go big on Faheem Ashraf and presented a simple return catch. It was poor thinking on his part and his dismissal was just a reminder underlying Sri Lanka’s approach to this game.

Sri Lanka didn’t have luck on their side either. Hasaranga’s attempt to clear the boundary off a Naseem Shah full toss ended up in the hands of Babar Azam at long-on. On any other day, it would have gone for a six.

With 21 needed off the final over, Maheesh Theekshana did his best to get his team over the line, but the effort proved too much for a no. 10, and Sri Lanka fell short by 7.

It was a case of another game that should have been won but wasn’t. Moments of brilliance, undone by an inability to close out games under pressure. Almost good, yet not good enough. A reason to hope and be frustrated at the same time. That is Sri Lanka cricket in a nutshell.

Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) Leader Sajith Premadasa undertook an official visit to India last week and while the visit gave him an opportunity to mingle with senior ministers and top officials in the Indian Government, those within his own party were left in the dark about his visit.

Premadasa, who is also the Leader of the Opposition, seems to have kept his visit top secret with even the most senior members of the SJB unaware of the visit and only getting not know their leader was on an official visit to India from media reports.

While the seniors were sidelined, Premadasa took with him three persons, none with any prominence in politics or within the SJB. They were Kusum Wijetilleke, his Adviser on Political Economy, Chamith Wijesundera, a SJB member of the Kotte UC who on his X (formerly twitter) handles identities himself as a special representative of the Opposition Leader and Lakshman Fonseka, a businessman, a close confident of Premadasa whose official role within the SJB is known to none, expect maybe the party leader.

Those who are on Premadasa’s side could say that he is the SJB leader and hence he decides who goes with him and it’s his prerogative to decide on whether to brief his party on his overseas tours or not.

But it’s not that simple. While his role as leader of the SJB is a political one, he is also the Leader of the Opposition which makes him responsible to the public of this country. His position is on par with that of a Cabinet minister, he is entitled to all the perks that go with it and hence there is public expectation of what he has to deliver on behalf of the public.

Being the main opposition in Parliament with a Government that has a two-third majority, it becomes even more important for the opposition to be effective by keeping a hawkish eye on the Government. Going by performance of the SJB MPs in the last years, since the NPP took power, the public have already seen how a fair number of MPs are calling out the Government when it goes off track and keeping it in check. They have managed to keep the Government on its toes by continuously raising issues of public importance. But it seems that the SJB leader does not appreciate the capable MPs. Otherwise, instead of his handpicked team, his Indian tour would have included some of these MPs which would’ve given them the rare opportunity to meet with senior Indian officials and hold discussions.

Premadasa is making the same mistake that UNP leader Ranil Wickremesinghe made which led to the major split in his party and the formation of the SJB. Wickremesinghe too chose to keep his cronies close and sideline promising politicians leading to their defection.

Premadasa led the breakaway group from the UNP with much gusto but having formed a new party he’s going down the same path. He’s now the party supremo who has his way and his say while other members in the party are being forced to be ‘yes men and yes women.’

The bane of Sri Lankan politics has been the lack of internal democracy within political parties. Instead of collective decisions, all decision making is left in the hands of one man and even when such decisions lead down the path to self-destruction, the others tag along, that is,till they reach breaking point.

As things stand now, many in the SJB are fast reaching that breaking point. The leader has alienated many in his party and instead of playing the role that is expected of the opposition, he’s seemingly more eager to please the Government than hold it accountable.

Premadasa needs to change course and that too very soon. Otherwise, what happened to the UNP in 2020 when mass defection left it orphaned could soon happen to Premadasa’s SJB.

The Cabinet of Ministers on Monday approved instructing the Legal Draftsman to draft a new Investment Protection Bill, aimed at preventing arbitrary nationalisation of private enterprises and ensuring long-term policy stability for investors.

A proposal first introduced in the 2025 Budget to safeguard private property and strengthen investor confidence is now moving forward, with the Cabinet granting approval to begin drafting the new Investment Security Bill.

The proposed legislation seeks to prevent capricious nationalisation of private properties, including enterprises and assets, while also establishing an Investment Protection Board to provide a structured mechanism for resolving investment-related disputes.

‘The new law is intended to enhance policy predictability and create a stable, transparent environment for both domestic and foreign investors,’ Cabinet Spokesman Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said at the weekly post-Cabinet meeting media briefing on Tuesday.

He said a committee of officials had previously been appointed to develop a concept paper outlining the framework and objectives of the proposed law. ‘Based on this concept paper, the Cabinet has now directed the Legal Draftsman to proceed with preparing the draft Bill,’ he added.

Dr. Jayatissa said the Government views the new act as a critical step towards strengthening investor protection, improving Sri Lanka’s ease of doing business, and attracting sustainable foreign direct investment in the years ahead.

The proposal to this effect was submitted by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in his capacity as the Finance, Planning and Economic Development Minister.

The Central Bank’s latest report reveals that Rs. 1.16 trillion in vehicle-backed loans were issued in just the first six months of 2025-an astonishing 63% of total lending by Licensed Finance Companies. On the surface, this looks like a sign of recovery. Pent-up demand has finally been released after years of import restrictions. Government revenue has improved, and auto sector activity has revived.

But beneath this celebratory headline lies a troubling question:

Are we once again fuelling consumption with debt, instead of funding growth?

In the past, Sri Lanka’s foreign exchange crisis was triggered partly by excessive reliance on imported, non-productive consumption goods-vehicles being the most notable example. Now, scarce credit and foreign reserves are again being

funnelled into the same pattern.

From a national economic standpoint, the risks are clear:

nHigher foreign currency leakage – over $ 1.5 billion payments expected for vehicle imports this year

nWorsening trade deficit – more pressure on already fragile external stability

nReduced credit to productive sectors – exports, SMEs, local manufacturing pushed aside

nInflation and fuel demand spike – as more imported vehicles hit congested roads

nRising household debt burden – future consumption and financial resilience weakened

And what about the borrowers who are being tempted by easy leasing and promotional offers?

A vehicle is not an appreciating asset-it loses value every day, even from the time it is rolled out of a showroom. When loan instalments stretch beyond incomes, many families risk ending up with a depreciated vehicle and a very real debt. If a future depreciation of the rupee or interest rate hike occurs, that risk becomes even more severe.

So yes-government coffers are smiling today. But is this truly fiscal achievement if it is built on taxing imported cars, instead of growing our economy?

Sri Lanka cannot afford another cycle where debt-driven consumption is mistaken for development. If two-thirds of lending is going into vehicles rather than value-adding to productive enterprises, we are postponing progress-not advancing it.

It is time policymakers asked themselves a simple question:

Are we financing mobility-or mortgaging the future?

A Worried Mind – Moratuwa

The Bank of Ceylon (BOC) is set to establish an Information Technology Institute to enhance its digital capabilities, improve IT operations, and support the bank’s digital transformation initiatives, following approval from the Cabinet of Ministers on Monday.

In response to evolving customer demands and the need to maintain competitiveness in the banking sector, the BOC plans to launch the institute under the name BOC IT Solutions Ltd.

‘This move revives and transforms the earlier BOC Management and Support Services Ltd, which was originally set up in 1992 to meet the manpower needs of the bank and ceased operations in 2007,’ Cabinet Spokesman and Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said at the weekly post-Cabinet meeting media briefing yesterday.

He said the newly established institute will be staffed with IT professionals tasked with optimising the bank’s IT operations and delivering advanced information and communication technology solutions to provide services that facilitate digital transformations.

The proposal to this effect was submitted by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in his capacity as the Finance, Planning and Economic Development Minister and was approved by the Cabinet of Ministers.

Union Assurance, Sri Lanka’s longest-standing private life insurer, proudly hosted its Union Assurance Premier Club (UAP) Q1 and Q2 Recognition for 2025 at Blue Waters, Wadduwa, celebrating the exceptional achievements of its top-performing agents of the Agency Distribution Channel.

UAP is a prestigious rewards program designed to honour the Company’s top-performing life insurance advisers who demonstrate exceptional salesmanship and customer service. The program also serves as a platform to motivate advisers to maintain consistent performance and achieve key performance standards throughout the year. During the first and second quarters of 2025, Union Assurance welcomed 190 outstanding members into the club, rewarding them with cash and gold coins amounting to a total value of Rs. 40 million.

Awards were presented across multiple categories, showcasing the breadth of talent within the Agency Distribution channel. The Bronze Category saw 166 winners, while the Silver Category recognised 21 achievers. The Gold Category honoured 7 winners, and the Diamond Category celebrated 3 achievers. Additionally, 15 Leader Awards were presented, and 5 advisers were inducted into the prestigious Platinum Category. These Platinum achievers included Francis Kasthularaj (Mullative Branch), Kaneshamoorthy Vijitharan (Jaffna Branch), Krishantha Janz (Kurunegala Metro Branch), Chedeesha Dias (Homagama Branch), and Upul Priyantha (Kirulapona Branch), each representing excellence in leadership and performance.

Speaking at the event, Chief Agency Officer Imtiyaz Aniff stated, ‘The Union Assurance Premier Club stands as the most distinguished recognition programme in the industry, rewarding our top-performing advisers with exclusive benefits that reflect their exceptional contribution to our business and our customers. It is more than a celebration of performance, it is a symbol of our commitment to nurturing excellence, inspiring growth, and upholding global standards in Life Insurance.’

From fiscal guardrails to digital transformation, five reform voices – Evan Papageorgiou, David Sislen, Lee Kuan Yew, Arj Samarakoon and Rohan Samarajiva – offer lessons for how Sri Lanka can rebuild trust and stability.

Sri Lanka’s path to reform has entered a quieter and more disciplined phase. The focus is shifting from grand policy statements to the steady work of rebuilding systems that outlast governments. Across global and local arenas, five figures now represent this evolution: Evan Papageorgiou of the International Monetary Fund, David Sislen of the World Bank, Lee Kuan Yew, the late architect of Singapore’s disciplined governance, Arj Samarakoon of Plus 94 Fund, and Rohan Samarajiva of LIRNEasia. Together, they reflect how financial credibility, institutional discipline and technological transparency are converging into a single story that defines Sri Lanka’s new reform era.

Evan Papageorgiou: Setting the Guardrails for Stability

As Mission Chief for Sri Lanka at the International Monetary Fund, Evan Papageorgiou plays a central role in steering Sri Lanka’s financial recovery. His leadership reflects a shift from short-term adjustments to long-term structural reform, focusing on debt sustainability, public finance transparency and improved governance. Papageorgiou’s philosophy treats reform as a partnership rather than an imposition. He has underscored that Sri Lanka’s economic recovery depends on consistent implementation and institutional independence. His work demonstrates how external frameworks can help rebuild domestic credibility. A recent IMF statement on Sri Lanka’s program review highlights this balance between local accountability and international oversight.

David Sislen: Financing Discipline and Systems Change

At the World Bank, David Sislen, Country Director for Sri Lanka, Nepal, and the Maldives, views reform through a systemic lens. His role centres on building frameworks that reward transparency and efficiency rather than volume of expenditure. Under his direction, development financing is increasingly linked to governance outcomes. Projects in energy, education and digitalisation now measure success through accountability metrics, not merely financial delivery. Sislen has spoken frequently about the importance of institutional maturity in development policy. In a recent World Bank feature, he reiterated that good governance is development infrastructure, a phrase that encapsulates the Bank’s evolving approach to reform as capacity-building rather than crisis management.

Lee Kuan Yew: The Discipline of DevelopmentAlthough Lee Kuan Yew passed away in 2015, his philosophy continues to shape reform conversations across Asia. His governance model, grounded in predictability and performance, offers enduring lessons for policymakers in Sri Lanka. Lee believed that discipline is the bridge between vision and achievement. His insistence on administrative integrity and long-term planning provides a model for consistent reform, especially for nations seeking to rebuild institutional confidence. Singapore’s transformation under Lee remains one of the world’s strongest examples of policy continuity and meritocratic governance. For readers interested in his direct reflections, the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy continues to document and analyse his legacy in Asian institutional reform.

Arj Samarakoon: Reform as a Question of CredibilityFor Arj Samarakoon, Managing Director of Plus 94 Fund, reform begins with trust. His argument is that no fiscal model or policy package can succeed unless institutions are credible and processes are transparent. In his feature for Sri Lanka Mirror, Samarakoon drew comparisons between Sri Lanka’s structural challenges and reforms in Australia and the Philippines. Both, he noted, achieved investor confidence through digital efficiency and predictable governance. He believes that Sri Lanka’s reform must rest on three core foundations, consistency in law, accessibility in governance and credibility in delivery. By treating transparency as infrastructure, Samarakoon links reform to investor psychology, making governance a measurable form of capital.

Rohan Samarajiva: Digitising Governance, Reframing AccountabilityRohan Samarajiva, founding Chair of LIRNEasia, has long argued that digital transformation is not an optional modernisation step but a core governance reform. His work bridges technology, policy and accountability, illustrating how efficient data systems can replace bureaucratic discretion with transparent automation. He has written extensively on how Sri Lanka’s future depends on data integration across government agencies. His presentation on data-informed governance in Sri Lanka outlines practical steps for building interoperable platforms that enhance transparency and citizen trust. By advocating for governance reform through code, Samarajiva represents the most contemporary strand in Sri Lanka’s evolving reform movement.

Reform as Culture

Reform is not a collection of policies; it is a culture that must endure beyond governments and electoral cycles. Across these five perspectives, from Papageorgiou’s fiscal guardrails and Sislen’s systems thinking to Lee’s discipline, Samarakoon’s credibility and Samarajiva’s digitalisation, a single truth emerges. Sri Lanka’s next decade will depend on whether reform can transition from politics to process.