Arundathie Abeysinghe

Colombo, Sri Lanka

Lecturer, researcher, veteran journalist, correspondent AsiaNews, Rome, Italy. BA (English) and MA (Political Science) University of Kelaniya and PGDIR (BCIS).

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Articles

Oluvil Port, Sri Lanka’s ‘White Elephant’

1 week ago | asianews.it | Arundathie Abeysinghe

Colombo (AsiaNews) – Inaugurated in 2013 with the aim of revitalising the local economy and attracting foreign investment, the port of Oluvil in Sri Lanka’s Eastern Province has become what many observers now call a "white elephant" – a foreign-funded development that has lain unused for over two decades and caused significant environmental and social harm. The port has become inoperable due to the accumulation of sand dunes at its entrance, which prevent boats from entering.
Local Elections in Sri Lanka: No win for government or opposition

2 weeks ago | asianews.it | Arundathie Abeysinghe

Colombo (AsiaNews) – With the elections for the renewal of municipal and local council leaders concluded, the struggle for leadership in over 150 councils remains open and uncertain, where no party or group holds an absolute majority in a context characterised by ambiguity.
Sri Lanka’s education system indicted after a 15-year-old abuse victim commits suicide

3 weeks ago | asianews.it | Arundathie Abeysinghe

Colombo (AsiaNews) – Hundreds of students and parents have been protesting in Colombo in the past few days, demanding justice for 15-year-old Amshika, a student at the Ramanathan Hindu Ladies' College, Bambalapitiya District. The young woman committed suicide on 29 April after months of neglect and public shaming, according to the family. She was preparing for ordinary level exams when, in October 2024, her math teacher allegedly sexually abused her.
Trump's tariffs badly impact women workers in Sri Lanka

4 weeks ago | asianews.it | Arundathie Abeysinghe

Colombo (AsiaNews) – About a million women workers in key export sectors will lose their job and income if the 44 per cent tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump come into force at the end of the 90-day pause. Sri Lanka's main export industries such as apparel, tea, gems, rubber and cinnamon, which employ mostly women, will be the most affected by the new tariffs since the US market is one of their most lucrative.
Mosquitoes, mice and termites now live in ministerial residences in Colombo

1 month ago | asianews.it | Arundathie Abeysinghe

Colombo (AsiaNews) – Mosquitoes proliferate in several ministerial residences (including those used by former presidents). Houses are degrading because termites and mice take refuge in buildings that are almost 100 years old. The gardens of the houses are overgrown with weeds and the roofs and gutters are full of leaves.
Colombo's palm oil paradox

1 month ago | asianews.it | Arundathie Abeysinghe

Colombo (AsiaNews) - One of the mafia of large companies that do not consider the impact on the environment. A general ban that ultimately only harms new, environmentally friendly crops. This sums up the paradox surrounding palm oil in Sri Lanka. There are 13,000 acres of land in the country cultivated by private owners for this purpose, with the stated goal of soon reaching 20,000 acres.
Trump's tarrifs torpedo the textile industry. Tsunami effect on the local economy

2 months ago | asianews.it | Arundathie Abeysinghe

Colombo (AsiaNews) - The long arm of the tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump also risks sinking the export sector in Sri Lanka, with experts and operators looking to a (near) future with a dark cloud over it. The alarm has been raised by the Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF), according to which the clothing sector - the island's largest export industry - is preparing to suffer a serious setback.
Hambantota port’s cutting-edge project to protect coral reef

2 months ago | asianews.it | Arundathie Abeysinghe

Colombo (AsiaNews) – The Hambantota International Port Group (HIPAG) recently launched the inaugural coral reef protection project, the first of its kind in a Sri Lankan port in line with a vision based on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). The eco-conscious policies adopted by port authorities have favoured the creation of a sanctuary for the natural growth of different coral species along the port’s breakwaters and on the artificial island.
Amid tarriff wars, Colombo resumes car imports

2 months ago | asianews.it | Arundathie Abeysinghe

Colombo (AsiaNews) - Sri Lanka's car assembly sector, which has recently expanded significantly, is threatened by the recent decision to impose new taxes and to lift the ban on foreign imports, without introducing protection for local companies at the same time. Hence the alarm of the operators, who believe that the current measures could seriously damage the progress achieved.
Sri Lanka’s agriculture in crisis as rice, tea, and coconut productions drop while prices rise

2 months ago | asianews.it | Arundathie Abeysinghe

Colombo (AsiaNews) – Sri Lanka's agricultural sector is going through a severe crisis, with a significant drop in the production of major crops such as rice, tea and coconut. This is driving up inflation and contributing to higher food prices, worrying consumers and policymakers alike. According to the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL), the drop in paddy rice production (the country’s staple crop) has been particularly pronounced, affecting the overall price of rice.