News
Experts call for ‘well-coordinated’ reforms package, ETB dominates discussion
The Pathfinder Foundation (PF) organised ‘Dialogue with Diplomats’ – the fourth discussion in the ongoing series dealt with the controversial Economic Transformation Bill (ETB).According to a statement issued by PF, the issue at hand has been one of the central themes, with consensus among the panellists regarding the need to pursue a well-coordinated reforms package regardless of the government in power. Amidst strong Opposition campaign against the ETB, so far 17 petitions have been filed in Supreme Court against the bill.
The discussion has focused on policy challenges faced by a new government.
The panel included Emeritus Prof. Premachandra Athukorala, Professor of Economics, Arndt-Corden Department of Economics, Australian National University, Canberra, Dr. R. H. S. Samarathunga, Senior Economic Advisor to the President, Prof. Sirimal Abeyratne, Emeritus Professor of Economics, University of Colombo, Prof. Gamini Samaranayaka, former Chairman of UGC and Ambassador to the Philippines.
Presidential election is expected to be held in Sept/Oct this year.
The event held in Colombo, brought together a distinguished audience featuring heads of diplomatic missions and senior diplomats based in Colombo, representatives of leading think tanks, academics and subject experts. A panel of esteemed experts provided valuable insights that fostered a meaningful discussion and understanding of the subject.
The dialogue explored the multifaceted policy challenges a new Sri Lank government must address. Key discussion topics included the long-term structural issues and short-term policy missteps that led to the current economic crisis growth-enhancing reform programme needed for economic recovery and to elevate the country into a sustainable growth trajectory.
The discussion also emphasized the need to establish an investment-friendly environment through sound policies and regulations and develop an export-oriented economy. They noted that this remains a significant challenge for any new administration.
The engagement and expertise of the panellists, coupled with the audience’s active participation, made the event a notable success. The dialogue underscored the importance of informed policy-making and collaborative efforts in addressing the economic challenges facing Sri Lanka.
The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) sources said that plans were afoot to file charges in connection with 15 major fraud and corruption cases in the near future.
The Commission sources said that these cases stem from thorough investigations into complaints that had previously gone unexamined, with recent file reviews prompting the decision to proceed with legal action. The forthcoming charges are based on detailed inquiries that uncovered substantial evidence pointing to serious misconduct.
To date, CIABOC has initiated inquiries into over 300 complaints received during the recent period, reflecting an expanded commitment to tackling corruption at multiple levels of governance.
Commission sources said that several former ministers and political affiliates from past administrations are among those implicated in the ongoing investigations, though specific names have yet to be disclosed.
Despite global shifts toward digital transactions, Cash on Delivery (COD) remains the dominant payment method for online shopping in Sri Lanka, according to the Digital Outlook Sri Lanka 2025 Report by the Asia Pacific Institute of Digital Marketing (APIDM) and the University of Kelaniya.
The report reveals that 52 percent of Sri Lankan online shoppers prefer COD, up from 48 percent in the previous year, underscoring persistent consumer caution toward digital payments.
While debit/credit card usage has dipped slightly to 35 percent (from 39.5 percent last year), newer digital payment methods such as e-wallets/e-money apps lag at 1 percent or less. Installment-based “Buy Now, Pay Later” options account for 3 percent, reflecting modest traction. Online bank transfers, meanwhile, accounted for 8 percent (down from 9 percent last year).(aayubo.com)
The Ministry of Education, Higher Education, and Vocational Education has launched a recruitment initiative aimed at addressing critical shortages in university academic staff across the country.
Deputy Minister Dr. Madura Seneviratne said that the recruitment process is being implemented at the university level to ensure that pressing needs are addressed efficiently and in alignment with institutional priorities.
The move comes in response to growing concerns raised by the Federation of University Teachers’ Associations (FUTA), which has pointed out that nearly 2,000 essential faculty positions remain unfilled across the country’s public universities, potentially impacting the quality of higher education and research output.Deputy Minister Seneviratne said that the recruitment process will be prioritized based on the urgency and significance of vacancies within individual universities and departments.
By Chaminda Silva
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