“Talking is Not Enough – Let’s Build Solutions!”
Professor Rohan Samarajiva Proposes a New Path for the Economy; 'Reset Now' Inaugural Meeting Begins Today.
It is reported that today marks a critical milestone in discussing practical and scientific solutions for Sri Lanka's economic revival, moving beyond mere lamentation over the economic crisis.
The first step of the solution-centric discussion series, organized by the 'Reset Now' movement, will be held today (Friday the 13th) at 4:00 PM at the Nippon Hotel, Colombo 02.
Presided over by renowned political communicator and policymaker Professor Rohan Samarajiva, the theme for today’s session is: "The Key to Rapid Growth: India."
What Needs to be "Reset"?
In comparison with World Bank data, it is evident that we are facing extremely sluggish economic growth.
However, as Professor Samarajiva points out, Sri Lanka is currently experiencing a 'Youth Bulge' during the 2022–2032 decade. This slow-moving economy cannot generate employment or entrepreneurial opportunities for the one million young people expected to join the workforce over the next ten years. The recent rise of the "Unsatisfied Youth" seen in Bangladesh should serve as a warning to us.
Furthermore, finding the resources necessary to care for the elderly population—which currently stands at 1/5th of the population and will soon become 1/4th—is a serious challenge.
The Solution is Within Reach: Integration with South India
Professor Rohan Samarajiva states that the most practical and short-term solution to overcome these challenges is economic integration with neighboring India, specifically with South India, including the state of Tamil Nadu, which demonstrates a massive economic growth of 11%.
Despite Trump’s trade wars, Rohan emphasizes that as India increased its exports by 20% in late 2025, Sri Lanka must also plug into that global supply chain.
The Professor proposes two main prerequisites for this:
Physical Infrastructure and Connectivity:
As India’s Vizhinjam port develops rapidly, we must act quickly to secure the future of the Port of Colombo. By reducing transport costs and linking the two countries through energy supplies (oil pipelines and electricity grid connectivity), Sri Lankan companies will find a path to the global market via India.
Legal and Contractual Stability:
Moving beyond mere infrastructure, it is essential to enter into robust bilateral agreements that help remove tariff barriers and minimize regulatory uncertainty.
The 'Reset Now' organizing committee states that this meeting is not merely a "political talk shop," but an intellectual discourse seeking solutions based on logic and data for the future of the country.
