| Title: | Poor Sanitary Infrastructure and the Plight of Low-Income Urban Dwellers Across Sri Lanka |
| Author/s: | Tilak Abeysinghe, Rasani Sonali Jayalath, Nethmini Gunarathna |
| Abstract: | Urbanisation has provided numerous opportunities to improve the livelihood of many people in Sri Lanka. However, it has also concealed the living struggle of the urban low-income people. This study analyses the economic impact of the deficiencies in drainage, wastewater and sanitation management systems on urban lower-middle-income populations across all districts, focusing on waterborne diseases, flooding-induced financial setbacks, and sanitation challenges. The findings reveal that poor drainage leads to recurrent flooding, resulting in substantial workday losses and increased healthcare expenses. A district-wise analysis highlights region-specific challenges such as significant drainage deficiencies in Matale and Kandy, and severe water quality issues in Nuwara Eliya, Puttalam and Matale. Despite significant government spending on drainage and sanitation, many communities report persistent inefficiencies, public dissatisfaction and governance issues. Computations based on a loss index indicate that long-term reduction in medical expenditures (both private and public) far outweighs the initial costs of infrastructure development to improve sanitary conditions. The importance of this preventive healthcare measure should not be underestimated. |
| Date: | 8 May 2025 |
| Read More |
| Title: | The International Solar Alliance and South Asia |
| Author/s: | Puspa Sharma, Paarth Endlaw |
| Abstract: | The International Solar Alliance (ISA), founded by India in partnership with France, has an important objective: massive deployment of solar energy by mobilising US$1 trillion (S$1.3 trillion) of investments by 2030 and reducing the cost of finance and technology through the joint efforts of its members. The ISA has made some progress since its inception, particularly in Africa but less so in South Asia. It has, however, a long way to go in meeting its objectives. It needs to overcome several challenges, including geopolitical ones, some of which are specific to South Asia. |
| Date: | 21 April 2025 |
| Read More |
| Title: | India’s European Diplomacy: The German Opportunity |
| Author/s: | Chilamkuri Raja Mohan |
| Abstract: | The extended era of under-performance in Indo-German bilateral relations is finally coming to an end. In a paradox, this is occurring despite the widespread perception that the ties between the two countries would find it hard to recover from the deep divergence that emerged after the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. However, the Ukraine war and the unfolding shift in the geopolitics of Europe and Asia have created a slender opening that German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi have seized. A consolidated German partnership could constitute a solid anchor to India’s deepening strategic ambitions in Europe. |
| Date: | 23 January 2025 |
| Read More |
Load more