From ‘Lost Decades’ to Human Rights Economies: Rethinking Development from Sri Lanka’s Experience

We welcome Dr. Ahilan Kadirgamar—a leading Sri Lankan economist and Senior Lecturer at the University of Jaffna, examines Sri Lanka’s so-called “lost decade,” marked by a shrinking economy, rising debt burdens, widespread food shortages, and skyrocketing inflation. He traces how misguided economic and development policies compounded over time to erode what was once a relatively prosperous economy. While rooted in Sri Lanka’s experience, his analysis resonates far beyond one country, offering insights into the structural pressures shaping economic development across many countries. Dr. Kadirgamar makes the case for a Human Rights Economy grounded in collective action,participation and democratic economic policymaking, calling systems designed to improve people’s lives rather than maximize profits.If you’d like to learn more about the Human Rights Economy, the work of OHCHR or UNSSC, check this link.