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Dr Kohona: developing countries should covet China model
One-time Foreign Secretary and Sri Lanka’s ex-Ambassador to China, Dr. Palitha Kohona, drawing from his diplomatic experience, underscored the Chinese development model as a key reference for Asian economies. Dr. Kohona elaborated on China’s economic transformation, emphasising its state-led investments, long-term strategic planning, and infrastructure-driven growth. He pointed out that China’s focus on industrialisation, coupled with strategic global partnerships, has enabled its rapid ascent as the world’s second-largest economy.
Dr. Kohona, also a former top UN bureaucrat, said so at a discussion titled “Critical overview on the development models in emerging Asian superpowers” at Janaki Hotel, in Colombo, recently.
The former top diplomat also highlighted China’s governance structure, policy consistency, and emphasis on technological advancement, positioning the country as a model for other developing nations. Dr. Kohona stressed the need for Sri Lanka to carefully analyse and selectively adapt elements of the Chinese model that align with its own economic and social realities.
The discussion, arranged by the Nexus Research Group, brought together policymakers, academics, and industry professionals to analyse the economic strategies of rising Asian powers.
The discussion featured two distinguished speakers Dr. P Kohona and Shiran Ilanperuma, an expert in international trade and economic policy. Milinda Rajapaksa moderated the session while Prof. Charitha Herath, Chair of Nexus, provided the opening remarks, framing the debate around how emerging superpowers are shaping global economic dynamics.
Following Dr. Kohona’s address, Shiran Illankotuwa delivered a detailed presentation on China’s economic strengths, labour market strategies, and trade policies. He analysed China’s export-led growth, strong manufacturing sector, and dynamic trade relationships.
He pointed out that China’s ability to balance state intervention with market-driven policies has been a critical factor in its economic success. He also discussed how the country has leveraged low-cost labour, foreign direct investments, and global trade agreements to maintain its competitive edge.
The presentation further explored how China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and other economic policies have influenced trade flows and regional development, drawing both admiration and critique from international observers.
The discussion sparked a broader conversation on how Sri Lanka and other developing economies can learn from China’s model while tailoring strategies to their unique political and economic landscapes. Participants engaged in a dynamic Q&A session, debating the adaptability of China’s policies in smaller economies and the challenges of replicating such large-scale state-led development in different governance structures.
The event reinforced the importance of evidence-based policymaking and strategic economic planning for Sri Lanka’s future growth. As global economic dynamics continue to shift, forums like these serve as crucial platforms for knowledge exchange and policy innovation.
The Nexus Research Group is a Colombo-based think tank dedicated to public policy research and economic analysis. Its board of directors includes Prof. Charitha Herath, Dulma Kadaramage, Dr. Saranga Alahapperuma, and Karu Paranawitana. Nexus aims to foster informed debate on pressing policy issues and contribute to sustainable and inclusive development strategies in Sri Lanka and beyond.
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Heat Index at Caution Level in the Northern, North-central and North-western provinces and in Kegalle, Trincomalee and Batticaloa districts during the day time
Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre
Issued at 3.30 p.m. on 28 April 2026, valid for 29 April 2026.
The Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in the Northern, North-central and North-western provinces and in Kegalle,
Trincomalee and Batticaloa districts during the day time.
The Heat Index Forecast is calculated by using relative humidity and maximum temperature and this is the condition that is felt on your body. This is not the forecast of maximum temperature. It is generated by the Department of Meteorology for the next day period and prepared by using global numerical weather prediction model data.
Effect of the heat index on human body is mentioned in the above table and it is prepared on the advice of the Ministry of Health and Indigenous Medical Services.
ACTION REQUIRED
Job sites: Stay hydrated and takes breaks in the shade as often as possible.
Indoors: Check up on the elderly and the sick.
Vehicles: Never leave children unattended.
Outdoors: Limit strenuous outdoor activities, find shade and stay hydrated.
Dress: Wear lightweight and white or light-colored clothing.
Note:
In addition, please refer to advisories issued by the Disaster Preparedness & Response Division, Ministry of Health in this regard as well. For further clarifications please contact 011-7446491.
New controversy erupts over missing USD 2.5 mn:
Public interest activist Nagananda Kodituwakku has sought citizenship details of Finance Ministry Secretary Harshana Suriyapperuma from the Department of Home Affairs, Australia.
According to a letter dated 28 April, addressed to the relevant department, Solicitor England and Wales Kodituwakku sought the required information in terms of Section 15 of the Freedom of Information Act No 3 of 1982 of Australia. Suriyapperuma is also the Secretary to the Treasury.
The former Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning Suriyapperuma (from November 2024 to June 2025) is embroiled in a deepening controversy over the theft of USD 2.5 mn from the Treasury.
The leader of the Vinivida Foundation said that he intended to move court against Suriyapperuma for entering Parliament through the NPP National List in violation of the country’s Constitution (Article 91(1)(d)(xiiii).
Kodituwakku said: “This is clearly an accountability and integrity issue and violation of the Constitution of Sri Lanka and also this act contravenes the law of a member in the Commonwealth.”
USD 2.5 mn paid to a third party was meant to be an instalment of a loan taken from Australia. Suriyapperuma neither responded to an SMS nor answered his hand phone.
Geetha Kumarasinghe (UPFA/Galle District) and Diana Gamage (SJB National List) lost their seats in 2017 and 2024, respectively, over citizenship issues.
Meanwhile, public interest group ‘Free Lawyers’ that exposed the theft of Treasury funds questioned the failure on the part of Dr. Harsha de Silva, Chairman of Committee on Public Finance (CoPF), to pressure President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to temporarily remove Suriyapperuma to facilitate unhindered investigations.
On behalf of ‘Free Lawyers’, Rajith Keerthi Tennakoon yesterday expressed concern over the way the CoPF, under SJBer de Silva’s leadership, handled the issue at hand. Issuing an open letter, Tennakoon, urged the CoPF chief to explain his stand on a spate of vital issues which needed to be addressed without any further delay.
By Shamindra Ferdinando
News
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake handing over a sapling of the Sri Maha Bodhiya in Anuradhapura to Ven Bhikku Pannakara
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake handing over a sapling of the Sri Maha Bodhiya in Anuradhapura to Ven Bhikku Pannakara (Sue Tue Nhan) at the conclusion of the 161 km ‘International Peace Walk’ in Colombo yesterday. The Bo-sapling will be taken to the US by the spiritual leader. Pic by Sujata Jayaratne
Ferreira, Shubham, Rajasthan Royals openers hand Punjab Kings their first defeat
Dulani and Samarawickrama set up Sri Lanka’s victory in T20I series opener
Heat Index at Caution Level in the Northern, North-central and North-western provinces and in Kegalle, Trincomalee and Batticaloa districts during the day time
Showers or thundershowers will occur in most parts of the island after 1.00 pm
Treasury chief’s citizenship details sought from Australia
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake handing over a sapling of the Sri Maha Bodhiya in Anuradhapura to Ven Bhikku Pannakara
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