PRINTING MONEY IS A NECESSARY EVIL
Sri Lanka’s response to the pandemic has been commendable. While we can all say what could have been done better with the benefit of hindsight, what’s important is that Sri Lanka has placed a greater value on lives than the economy
LESSONS IN CRISIS PREPAREDNESS
I for one am of the opinion that our initial response to the islandwide lockdown to limit the spread of COVID-19 was admirable. Timely action enabled the authorities to properly quarantine overseas
PUBLIC HEALTH IS A PRIORITY
The COVID-19 pandemic has put us in a situation where we have to either prioritise public health and in turn sacrifice economic output, or prioritise the economy and sacrifice public health. Although
THE DOUBLE-EDGED SWORD
I think we have responded very well to the crisis as the lockdown has been effective from mid-March. In an unprecedented situation like this, there is no blueprint for safeguarding the health of
A COMMENDABLE PERFORMANCE
The response from the government has been strong and consistent. Hard decisions were taken at certain junctures; and these decisions were consistently and swiftly implemented. As the crisis
PARADIGM SHIFT IN THE BIZ MINDSET
Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, several key industrial sectors including tourism, travel, hospitality, manufacturing and exports have been affected. This is not withstanding the numerous SMEs and
KUDOS TO THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY
Though the rupee has depreciated, the government has taken hard albeit positive measures to stop non-essential imports. The government is also encouraging Sri Lankans to bring foreign exchange
THE LOSS OF JOBS IS INEVITABLE
The crisis has forced corporates to rethink their business models to make them more resilient to shocks. As such, we will see extensive embracement of technology especially around remote working
LESSONS FOR THE BIZ COMMUNITY
While the government acted swiftly and based its decisions on scientific advice, at this juncture we should be careful that the precautionary measures don’t cause more harm to public health and the
A TEST OF BUSINESS CONTINUITY
The government has taken proactive measures to contain the spread of COVID-19 and strengthen its public preparedness, with aggressive social distancing and stringent lockdown measures implemented
WORKFORCE SAFETY IS A PRIORITY
The response coordinated by the president from the start has been proactive. The appointed task force has operated swiftly with the required structures and personnel. And the curfew was imposed
LESSONS FROM THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC
In comparison to the responses of other developed countries around the world, in my opinion Sri Lanka has performed exceptionally in handling COVID-19. The early intervention and proactive
CALL FOR CONCESSIONARY BORROWING
The unprecedented outbreak of COVID-19 has forced many changes to the way in which businesses and people operate around the world. Given the magnitude of the global pandemic and length of time that
TIME TO ADAPT TO THE ‘NEW NORMAL’
I believe the outlook for jobs and employment in the medium term will change, with better prospects for those who can adapt to the ‘new normal’ in the economy and job market, which is expected
SRI LANKA’S RESPONSE HAS BEEN SWIFT
The state – led by teams of medical officers, and supported by the military and police – has been quite proactive so far; and its ability to respond to the crisis has been both swift and timely
THUMBS UP FOR OUR RESPONSE
Tourism, which was just recovering following the 2019 Easter Sunday Attacks, is one of the frontline industries that has been significantly affected by the COVID-19 outbreak. With multiple sources of income affected
REDEFINING THE START-UP CULTURE
If you look at the impact of this pandemic, it has affected everyone from all countries whether they’re developed or developing, or rich or poor. None of us has been prepared. The world wasn’t competent
OLD BUSINESS ORDER UNDER SCRUTINY
The ‘new normal’ has significantly challenged the market and established order of business. With COVID-19 and the subsequent economic, socioeconomic and value shifts, there will be a change
WE MUST MOVE TO AVERT TWIN DISASTERS
The coronavirus (COVID-19) and its effect on the world economy is unprecedented; and as such, in my opinion I think the Sri Lankan government has done quite well so far especially if you compare
WORK FROM HOME AND PRODUCTIVITY
If you compare both regional and global performances in containing the virus, our government – acting on the advice of public medical officials – has done demonstrably well. It was one of the first
