Africa is growing.
Can Sri Lanka rediscover its ambition?

Across the Indian Ocean, growth, technical education and industrial investment are changing the economic landscape. Sri Lanka needs a development strategy that connects its maritime position with the capacity to produce knowledge, technology and skilled services.

9 September 20269 min read

Read the commentary →

Illustrated world map highlighting Africa in teal and Sri Lanka, southeast of India, in gold — AI-generated editorial illustration. The connecting arc is symbolic.

The comparative outlook

Growing at different speeds

Real GDP growth forecasts · 2026

Eastern Africa5.8%

Africa4.0%

Sri Lanka3.0%

ECA, July 2026; IMF, May 2026. Different forecast vintages and geographic coverage. Forecasts are subject to revision.

Read the evidence and its limits →

Statue of D. S. Senanayake holding a pipe in Kandy — Photograph: Cherubino / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0. Kandy, 7 May 2013. Image unchanged.

New feature · History & agriculture

D. S. Senanayake and Sri Lanka’s unfinished agricultural ambition

As his 142nd birth anniversary approaches, Senanayake’s most useful agricultural legacy is a method: connect water, land, farmers and public investment. A modern version must add stronger markets, better technology and a fair return to rural work.

9 September 20267 min read

Read the feature →

Inside the argument

Beyond the port

From container movements to a wider services economy.

Skills that build capacity

Universities, technical education and productive work.

The next technological opening

AI and robotics, evaluated by measurable results.

Explore the evidence

Read. Ask. Discuss.

Ask the AI guide to explain the commentary, compare its evidence or suggest questions for discussion.

Ask the AI guide →