Arabian Business – July 30, 2023 Saudi Arabia has allocated $7.8 billion for Riyadh Expo 2030 Saudi Arabia has revealed its readiness to welcome over 120 million visitors for Expo 2030 in a new video on Twitter. Titled ‘Riyadh, ready to welcome the world in Expo 2030,’ the 39-second clip showcased the cityscape of Riyadh, highlighting the nation’s remarkable journey into becoming a modern metropolis. Riyadh, ready to welcome the world in Expo 2030#RiyadhExpo2030 pic.twitter.com/YVQayXNzUo— Riyadh Expo 2030 (@Riyadh_Expo2030) July 25, 2023 At the heart of Expo 2030 lies Saudi Arabia’s commitment to sustainable growth, a central theme that the…
Author: LMD International
THE BIG IDEA Senaka Senanayake says he’s been lucky to be able to paint – and live off it Q: How would you describe your work – and what has influenced your style over the years? A: I have been painting for almost 60 years and over the years, my style has changed. As a child, it was vastly different when I was in school and university, which was very different to my present style. My earliest style was a reaction to life and the people of Sri Lanka. I painted what I saw around me. When I went to…
Financial Times – July 28, 2023 The Bank of Japan has eased controls on its government bond market, altering a cornerstone of its ultra-loose monetary policy and prompting a surge in the country’s benchmark bond yields to the highest level in nine years. In an unexpected move, the BoJ said it would offer to buy 10-year Japanese government bonds at 1 per cent in fixed-rate operations, in effect widening the trading band on long-term yields. The central bank added that it was technically maintaining its previous 0.5 per cent cap on 10-year bond yields, but this level would be a…
THE TUG OF HOME Why I returned to Sri Lanka BY Tharindra Gooneratne If I had a rupee for every time I’ve been asked ‘why I returned to Sri Lanka,’ I’d probably be a very rich man today (given the rate of inflation, I’d probably need to earn Rs. 1,000 a question… but who’s counting?). So why did I return to Sri Lanka? Financially, my earning power is a fraction of what it was when I worked as an investment banker in New York City. In addition, if I chose to remain in the Big Apple, I’d not have worried…
THE WAY WE WERE Wijith DeChickera grows nostalgic – but means business – about reimagining a Sri Lanka rising phoenix-like from its own ashes On the maps of many travellers through the ages, Ceylon – or Taprobane, or Serendip – was a tear shaped island off the austral waters of India’s womb. Coppery sands, montane vistas and umpteen hinterland treasures held sway. But in the minds of many Sri Lankans both at home and among our expats residing overseas today, it is much more than a place and possessions – being a heady, rich, often sad, usually glorious, always evocative…
CITIZEN-CENTRIC ETHOS Hiranthi Abeygoonesekera Sri Lanka needs a culture of transparency and accountability Q: How do you perceive Sri Lanka today? A: Sri Lanka has experienced immense volatility due to governance issues but the people have had the courage to overcome their problems. Q: Do you think the country is capable of regaining its composure in the aftermath of multiple crises – including the most recent economic crisis? A: I hope the IMF loan will help start the recovery process. The increase in taxes imposed on the people is undoubtedly hard – but I feel that with passion, a clear…
BUILDING BRAND SRI LANKA Dr. Suresh Marcandan Governance in Sri Lanka must be safeguarded from kleptocrats Q: How do you perceive Sri Lanka today? A: Sri Lanka has embraced a culture of governance that thrives on the politics of division, the rhetoric of fear, and a culture of intolerance and hate. The disparity between the haves and have-nots is increasing exponentially, and this is utterly despicable. Q: Do you think Sri Lanka is capable of regaining its composure in the aftermath of multiple crises in recent years – including the most recent economic crisis? A: There is an old saying:…
The Times of India – July 22, 2023 Harpo Gooneratne’s trademark tune is “Pizza, Pasta, Music.” The DJ-turned-restaurateur is one of the most prominent faces in the F&B industry of Sri Lanka. He owns several swish properties in the capital, including Harpo’s Colombo Fort Cafe and Italian joints like The Bayleaf and Hapro’s Pizza. Last year, when Sri Lanka imposed 100% surcharge on multiple imports like wine and cheese during its worst economic crisis in decades, establishments like the kinds owned by Gooneratne were badly injured leading to shrunken menus, highly controlled portions and woefully thin footfalls. Fast forward to…
INVEST IN YOUTH Umeshka Ratnaweera Sri Lanka must unlock its potential to challenge and change Q: How do you perceive Sri Lanka today? A: Corruption has crippled the nation, and dishonest dealings have eroded trust in and accountability by our public institutions. This corrosive environment has undermined economic growth and led to a colossal waste of resources. And it has allowed unscrupulous interests to thrive at the expense of the most vulnerable members of society. Q: Do you think Sri Lanka is capable of regaining its composure in the aftermath of multiple crises – including the most recent economic crisis?…
Australia on Friday launched a “national wellbeing” dashboard of indicators to measure progress on issues like health, education and the environment, one that it hopes will lead to a better balance between economic and social objectives