Business

The Plight of the Poor

Published

4 years ago

2022/07/19

Sahan Weerasooriya

Sri Lanka’s Deepening Economic Crisis:

By Lakshila Wanigasinghe

Empty supermarket shelves, endless queues to buy essentials and overnight camping around fuel stations are now regular sights in Sri Lanka. As the economy continues to plummet with no viable short-term solutions in sight, levels of frustration among the citizens continue to rise.

The country’s worst economic crisis since independence has battered Sri Lankans from all walks of life but the fallouts are impacting the poor with greater intensity. If urgent measures are not taken to support the most vulnerable at this time, more Sri Lankans will slip into poverty thus increasing intergenerational poverty in the long term. This blog identifies some of the most pressing challenges faced by the poor and vulnerable amidst the prevailing crisis and outlines policy options to safeguard their well-being.

Background

Sri Lanka’s current economic crisis is a result of several years of mismanagement, corruption, shortsighted policymaking, and an overall lack of good governance. Insufficient foreign reserves at Sri Lanka’s Central Bank and loss of access to international capital markets resulted in the country defaulting on debt for the first time in history. Unchecked external borrowings, tax cuts that widened the existing budget deficit, the chemical fertiliser imports ban and the sudden floating of the Sri Lankan rupee are among several factors that contributed to the economic collapse. Tourism, together with apparel and tea exports – some of Sri Lanka’s main income sources – were affected in recent years due to various internal and external factors such as the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks followed by COVID-19 in 2020. Now, the economic crisis presents multiple challenges including severe threats to nutrition, food security, healthcare, and education.

Impacts on the Vulnerable

The rapid depreciation of the Sri Lankan Rupee and the inability of wages to keep up with inflation have drastically lowered the standard of living. Inflation, as measured by the Colombo Consumer Price Index (CCPI) for June 2022, was 54.6% in comparison to 39.1% in the previous month. Further, food inflation rose to an alarming 80.1% in June 2022.

The ability to earn a living wage is hampered by insufficient fuel supplies. This along with the rise in transport costs and overcrowded public transport have left workers struggling to commute to work. Daily wage earners such as three-wheel drivers are in fuel queues for days losing out on productive work hours. Regular interruptions to the power supply are affecting small-business owners’ ability to conduct business and with many completely shutting down operations. Shortages in gas and kerosene oil for cooking, rise in commodity prices and supply shortages are changing people’s consumption patterns forcing many families to reduce their consumption and non-consumption expenditure. The inability to receive adequate nutrition due to increases in the cost of living is affecting children’s health and may lead to increased rates of malnutrition in the future. Apart from this, continuous school closures are impeding children’s education, especially at the village level where most families lack the technology for digital learning.

Short-term Relief

Sri Lanka was facing a reversal in poverty levels since the COVID-19 pandemic and faces the risk of many new groups following suit along with those who are already poor falling deeper into poverty. Hence immediate measures must be taken to support the poor and ensure their livelihood sustenance to some extent. As the current fiscal restrictions pose a challenge in supporting all groups in need, emergency relief efforts need to be targeted toward the most vulnerable so as to not further cripple the economy. Providing cash transfers is one such relief option. They were widely popular as a global emergency response during COVID-19. While Sri Lanka also adopted this as a response to the pandemic, the key in this context would be to provide an adequate sum of money to the most deserving households. Although this may include a considerably large number of at-risk families due to rising inflationary pressure, unfortunately only those in dire need of support must be beneficiaries at this time. As such authorities will have to make tough choices to correctly identify deserving households. Financing these cash transfers will require an allocation of a portion of funds from foreign aid, loans and other humanitarian assistance received by Sri Lanka.

Following the declaration of a three-day weekend for public sector employees, primarily to utilise their time to cultivate consumable crops at the household level, the provision of in-kind support such as seeds and fertiliser for cultivation is another option. As with monetary support, these initiatives must be targeted toward the poorest who are unable to meet their required nutrition levels. However, there is an issue with such families not having suitable plots of land for cultivation. Thus, initiatives need to be thought of on how to overcome space limitations. One option is through community gardens which can be introduced in village-level Grama Seva offices, school grounds etc. Proper organisation, allocation, and monitoring are imperative to successfully execute these initiatives.

Although an unpopular solution, temporary rationing measures will need to be put in place, especially for high-demand commodities such as fuel, gas, milk powder and medicine etc. This will help curb excess purchasing of items and ensure all individuals have access to purchase necessities. Excessive purchasing often leaves the poor on the losing end since they do not have sufficient funds to purchase beyond their immediate requirements. Hence rationing will help with maintaining sufficient supplies for low-income groups such as daily-wage earners. While it is important to support the poor and vulnerable at this time, it is imperative to ensure the limited fiscal and other resources are used effectively. Further, these measures need to be taken alongside working towards ensuring political stability and debt sustainability to restore international confidence in Sri Lanka. This will encourage support from the global community to help Sri Lanka work towards overcoming this crisis.

Link to the full blog – https://www.ips.lk/talkingeconomics/2022/07/18/sri-lankas-deepening-economic-crisis-the-plight-of-the-poor/

Lakshila Wanigasinghe is a Research Officer at IPS with research interests in poverty, social welfare, development, education, and health. She holds an MSc in Economics with a concentration in Development Economics and a BA in Economics with concentrations in International, Financial and Law and Economics from Southern Illinois University Carbondale (SIUC), US. (Talk with Lakshila – lakshila@ips.lk)

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Business

Historic launch of CCWE Fashion Week & International Summit 2026

Published

19 hours ago

2026/05/22

Thilina Walpola

Ayanthi Gurusinghe, President, Ceylon Chamber of Women Entrepreneurs (CCWE), joined by Damith Pallewatte, MD/CEO, HNB, and Sanjay Wijemanne, Senior Executive Vice President/COO, HNB, at the press conference announcing CCWE Fashion Week, powered by HNB, held at HNB Towers.

The Ceylon Chamber of Women Entrepreneurs (CCWE) officially announced the CCWE Fashion Week & International Summit 2026 at a press conference held in Colombo, unveiling a historic national initiative that will mark the first-ever fashion week in Sri Lanka and the South Asian region dedicated exclusively to women entrepreneurs.

Held under the theme “Threads of Inclusion Woven from Every Walk of Life,” the event is scheduled to take place from 16th to 20th July 2026 at Cinnamon Life, Colombo, positioning Sri Lanka at the forefront of inclusive and sustainable fashion while creating a powerful platform for economic and social transformation.

This landmark initiative goes beyond fashion to deliver meaningful value to society by empowering women entrepreneurs across diverse communities, industries, and regions. By bringing together designers, artisans, SMEs, policymakers, investors, and international stakeholders, the event aims to create new market opportunities, strengthen financial inclusion, and promote sustainable livelihoods. It will serve as a catalyst for economic growth by supporting women-led businesses, enhancing export potential, encouraging youth participation in creative industries, and fostering regional collaboration across South Asia.

Supported by a strong network of corporate partners, the initiative is led by HNB as the Title Sponsor, reflecting a collective commitment to empowering women economically and driving more inclusive national progress.

Speaking at the press conference, Dr. Ayanthi Gurusinghe, President of CCWE and Chairman of the Fashion Week, stated, “Today we are announcing more than an event—we are introducing a national movement that will transform the way we view women entrepreneurs in Sri Lanka. This platform is designed to open doors for women from every walk of life, enabling them to convert talent into enterprise, gain access to markets, and contribute meaningfully to the economy. Through this initiative, Sri Lanka has the opportunity to lead the region in building a future where inclusion meets opportunity and equality.”

HNB, MD/ CEO, Damith Pallewatte, added, “For over 135 years, HNB has stood as a partner in progress to all Sri Lankans, and supporting women entrepreneurs is central to how we continue that legacy. This initiative creates a platform where women can access markets, build sustainable businesses, and contribute meaningfully to national economic development.

When women are empowered with the right access and support, the impact extends to families, communities, and the broader economy. Our decision to serve as Title Sponsor is driven by our commitment to enabling that access and supporting pathways for long-term growth through financial inclusion and enterprise development.”

Extending regional support, Mrs. Premila Acharya, President of the South Asian Women Development Forum (SAWDF), shared her support online, “The CCWE Fashion Week & International Summit 2026 is a landmark initiative that reflects the strength and potential of women entrepreneurs across our region. It is inspiring to see Sri Lanka take the lead in creating a platform where inclusion, opportunity, and equality come together. SAWDF is proud to stand in partnership with CCWE in empowering women through collaboration and shared progress.”

Highlighting achievements The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific Subregional Office for South and South-West (ESCAP-SSWA) as Knowledge Partner Ms. Mikiko Tanaka, Head and Director noted “ESCAP is pleased to serve as a knowledge partner for the CCWE Fashion Week & International Summit 2026. This initiative reflects our shared commitment to enhance women entrepreneurs’ access to markets, finance and digital networks. Connecting women-led businesses to regional networks can further unlock opportunities outside Sri Lanka. We commend CCWE’s leadership in creating an enabling environment for women from diverse backgrounds to innovate, participate and contribute to inclusive and sustainable economic development.”

Business

Sri Lanka’s capital market gains international recognition for GSS+ Bond issuances

Published

19 hours ago

2026/05/22

Thilina Walpola

The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) announces that Sri Lanka’s capital market has received international recognition for the quality and innovation of its Green, Social, Sustainability and Sustainability-Linked (GSS+) bond issuances at the 2026 Sustainable Debt Awards hosted by Environmental Finance. This milestone reflects the continued strengthening of Sri Lanka’s sustainable finance landscape and its growing alignment with international capital markets.

This achievement builds on a sustained collaboration with the EU-funded Green Recovery Facility, implemented by Expertise France, which has supported the development and international positioning of Sri Lanka’s GSS+ bond market. Advisory and coordination support has been provided in close collaboration with the CSE, alongside technical inputs from the contracted consultancy team Baastel led by Jason Taylor.

Since supporting the operationalisation of Sri Lanka’s Green Bond Framework in 2023, this engagement has evolved into a broader effort to develop the country’s GSS+ bond market. Through strengthened policy alignment, market development, and stakeholder engagement, this partnership has contributed to corporate GSS+ bond issuances aligned with international standards.

Collectively, recent GSS+ bond issuances in Sri Lanka have mobilised approximately LKR 82 billion (around EUR 216 million) across green, blue, social, sustainability, and sustainability-linked instruments, financing priority sectors such as renewable energy, energy efficiency, water and coastal resilience, and inclusive social infrastructure. These issuances have been oversubscribed, reflecting growing investor confidence in Sri Lanka’s sustainable finance framework.

This progress has been supported by the introduction of Sri Lanka’s GSS+ Bonds Regulatory Framework in 2025, aligned with international principles, further strengthening market credibility and investor confidence.

The awards recognise the following Sri Lankan institutions:

DFCC Bank – Award for Innovation: Use of Proceeds (Green Bond, APAC)

Bank of Ceylon – Award for Innovation: Sustainability Bond Structure (APAC)

Commercial Bank of Ceylon – Green Bond of the Year (Financial Institution, APAC)

Thimal Perera, Director/Chief Executive Officer, DFCC Bank PLC said, “This recognition reflects the progress Sri Lanka’s capital markets are making in aligning with international sustainable finance standards and strengthening credibility with global investors. We are honoured to receive recognition in the area of innovation in use of proceeds, which highlights the growing ability of Sri Lankan institutions to structure financing solutions with transparency, measurable impact, and long-term relevance. We remain grateful to the regulators, market participants, technical partners, and investors whose continued support is helping advance Sri Lanka’s sustainable finance ecosystem.”

“We are honoured to receive the Environmental Finance’s Sustainable Debt Award for Innovation – Sustainability Bond Structure (APAC) for the Bank of Ceylon’s inaugural LKR 20 billion Basel III compliant Tier 2 Sustainability Bond – the largest sustainability bond issuance in Sri Lanka and the first of its kind. This alignment addressed both BOC’s capital adequacy requirements and commitment to aligning sustainable finance with national development priorities while advancing resilient and inclusive economic growth in Sri Lanka. As the first Sri Lankan bank to secure this prestigious global award, we wish to thank the Colombo Stock Exchange for their proactive coordination and encouragement. We also extend our sincere appreciation to all stakeholders who partnered with us in this trailblazing endeavor.” said Mr. G. A. Jayashantha, Acting Senior Deputy General Manager/ Head of Global Markets, Bank of Ceylon.

Remarking upon the award Sanath Manatunge, Managing Director / Chief Executive Officer of Commercial Bank of Ceylon said “Winning the ‘Green Bond of the Year’ award is a significant milestone for Commercial Bank and a strong endorsement of our commitment to sustainable finance and responsible banking. As the largest private bank in Sri Lanka, we recognise our responsibility to support investments that drive long-term environmental and economic resilience, particularly in the renewable energy sector. This recognition reflects the Bank’s strategic focus on advancing sustainable financing solutions that contribute meaningfully to the country’s climate goals and broader sustainable development agenda.”

These recognitions are particularly significant in the context of Sri Lanka’s ongoing economic recovery and debt restructuring process. As the country works to restore macroeconomic stability and rebuild investor confidence, the ability of Sri Lankan financial institutions to successfully issue GSS+ bonds aligned with rigorous international standards sends a strong signal to global capital markets.

Business

Uber introduces Hybrid Subscriptions for Moto and Tuk Drivers

Published

19 hours ago

2026/05/22

Thilina Walpola

Uber, Sri Lanka’s most loved ridesharing platform, today announced the launch of Hybrid Subscriptions for Moto and Tuk drivers in the country. This includes a new ‘earn first, pay later’ model that gives drivers greater flexibility by allowing them to start earning on the platform without upfront payments. Drivers will continue to benefit from 0% commission on trips, allowing them to keep all of their earnings while paying a subscription fee separately.

With hybrid subscriptions, drivers can choose a model that works best for their driving patterns, making it easier for both full-time and part-time drivers to access trips and earn on Uber. The launch is aimed at improving the overall experience for drivers while continuing to offer reliable mobility for riders.

Flexibility and earning potential remain key priorities for drivers across Sri Lanka’s two- and three-wheeler ecosystem. The new model addresses this by giving drivers more control over how they engage with the platform and how they structure their earnings. By offering both time-based and earning-based subscription options, Uber provides drivers greater flexibility. While time-based subscriptions are ideal for full-time drivers, earning-based subscriptions work well for part-time drivers.

Commenting on the launch, Kaushalya Gunaratne, Country Manager – Mobility, Uber Sri Lanka, said, “”Drivers are at the heart of everything we do. We were among the first to introduce subscription models for Moto and Tuk drivers in Sri Lanka, and with hybrid subscriptions, we’re taking it further – giving drivers the benefits of zero commissions and the flexibility to choose what works best for them.”