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Opinion: Why the actions of cities — not nations — will be the key to our survival on earth

24Feb

By Faraz ShauketalyNo Comments

Opinion

Opinion: Why the actions of cities — not nations — will be the key to our survival on earth

While some world leaders resist global cooperation, city leaders are working across borders to tackle big issues like global warming, immigration and terrorism, says urban expert Robert Muggah. Amid the relentlessly grim news on climate change, there is a glimmer of hope — and it’s coming from our cities. Even as the US is pulling out from its commitment to the Paris climate accord, cities of all sizes are stepping up to the plate. Enlightened mayors around the world are taking action, introducing emissions reductions targets, investing in green growth and shifting to renewable energy sources. It’s one manifestation of the new politics of empowered cities, in which local leaders demand their voices be heard on some of the most serious issues of the day, especially climate change, inequali...

President requests SC opinion on length of his term

SC hearing tomorrow Registrar of the Supreme Court writes to Bar Association to inform membership By Chauthri Dissanayale Hot on the heels of the three-year anniversary celebrations of his presidential term, President Maithripala Sirisena has requested the opinion of the Supreme Court on any impediments preventing him from continuing to hold office for a period of six years from 9 January 2015. According to the prevailing constitutional provisions at the time of Sirisena’s election, the presidential term was for a six-year period. However, the 19th Amendment passed on 15 May 2015, during the 100-day program, making good of one of his campaign promises, trimmed the term by one year limiting it to a period of five years. Since then the debate on whether or not Sirisena’s ter...

Opinion: Budget 2018 – Will Clarity in Thought Translate to Clarity in Action?

By Kithmina Hewage &Harini Weerasekera Slow growth, declining export earnings and FDI inflows, and inadequate foreign exchange reserve cover characterize Sri Lanka’s current macroeconomic climate. The heavy dependency on non-tradables is a key factor slowing the country’s growth momentum. Apart from this structural feature, unfavourable weather conditions that are causing inflationary pressures could potentially dampen growth. Tightening of fiscal and monetary policy further restricts the space to provide stimulus for growth. On the plus side, over the past year, the economy has witnessed an improvement in macroeconomic fundamentals due to fiscal consolidation efforts, aided by a more prudent monetary policy framework and exchange rate management policy. To overcome debt, Sri Lanka ...