• International Sovereign Bonds (ISBs) can enhance government accountability and performance by enforcing financial discipline, despite their high-interest costs, according to Prof. Shanta Devarajan of Verité Research.

International Sovereign Bonds (ISBs) can enhance government accountability and performance by enforcing financial discipline despite their high-interest costs, according to Prof. Shanta Devarajan of Verité Research. Devarajan emphasized the need for separating foreign policy from foreign investments, pursuing structural reforms, and reintroducing accountability to achieve sustainable and inclusive growth in Sri Lanka, which has been lacking for the past 70 years, significantly contributing to the current economic crisis.

Subashini Abeysinghe of Verité Research highlighted the need for labor market policies that support skills transition and growth, effective trade facilitation under a liberalized regime, and reforming the education system. Sankhitha Gunaratne, also from Verité, pointed out the pervasive corruption in regulatory agencies like the Customs Department and stressed the importance of implementing IMF-suggested anti-corruption measures to support businesses in the import and export sectors.

“ISBs can keep govt. accountable, promote performance” | Daily News