Sri Lanka’s economy has shown solid signs of recovery in 2025, but the rebound remains partial, with output still below pre-crisis levels and poverty rates significantly elevated, according to the World Bank’s latest Sri Lanka Development Update.
To be taken seriously in Asia, Europe must rediscover the courage to deliver, not merely declare. Asia has moved on to execution. Europe is still editing its initial policy draft.
Just how control over these critical minerals plays out will be a long fought battle lasting decades, and one that will increasingly define Asia’s industrial future.
Sri Lanka’s recovery over the past year reads like a narrow escape rendered into a cautious, albeit unfinished success story.
The sudden drop of around LKR20,000 in both 22- and 24-carat sovereigns adds to a volatile recent run for precious-metals pricing in the island nation: only days earlier, gold prices were noted to be climbing.
While many Asian nations have quietly distanced themselves from Moscow in a bid to fall into line with US or European allies, several continue to engage with Russia, providing varying degrees of support that help sustain its military campaign.
Analysts have repeatedly warned that clean energy investment in developing economies such as Afghanistan, but excluding China, remains dangerously below levels required to meet international climate objectives.
Argentina has been here before - the country having endured multiple financial meltdowns over the last half-century - each one leaving scars on its once vibrant society and economy.
Sri Lankan banks hold substantial amounts of government debt, with total exposure exceeding 20% of system assets. Interest expenditure remains high, with payments expected to reach 51% of government revenue in 2025.
For Modi, at least for now, the shift feeds into his narrative of a multipolar order, and one where India is not forced into binary choices between Washington and Beijing.
India has emerged as one of the hardest hit nations under fresh tariff measures imposed by the United States, with Indian exports to its largest single market now facing duties of up to 50%.
Sri Lanka has, for the first time, authorised seven overseas investors to cultivate cannabis legally under tightly regulated conditions.