ST. JOSEPH'S COLLEGE, WATTALAREFFERENCE SHEETLalith Athulathmudali Debate Competition 2026

© 2026 St. Joseph’s College, Wattala Branch. All rights reserved. This reference sheet has been prepared for the Lalith Athulathmudali Debate Competition 2026 – Sinhala Medium, Second Round, held on 20 September 2026. Designed by P. A. J. Chandula Perera. No part of this reference sheet may be reproduced, distributed, or modified without prior permission from the creators.

ශ්‍රී ලංකාව සංවර් ධනය කිරී ෙ දී වැඩි අවධානයක් ෙයාමු කළ යුත් ෙත් ආර්ථි ක සංවර් ධනය ෙකෙරහි ෙ/ෙනාෙ“Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established.”— P R OV E R B S 1 6 : 3 ( K J V )

CONTENT PAGEPREFACE§ I — GRAPHSExchange Rate: 2019–2026-09-16 Unemployment in Sri Lanka: 2015–2025 GDP Growth: 2023–2026 Q1 Macroeconomic Indicators: 2017–2024 Gross Value Added at Basic Prices: 2019–2024§ II — QUOTATIONS · PART IQuotation 1 Quotation 2 Quotation 3 Quotation 4 Quotation 5§ III — QUOTATIONS · PART IIQuotation 6 Quotation 7 Quotation 8 Quotation 9 Quotation 10§ IV — ARTICLESArticle 1 Article 2 Article 3 Article 4ACKNOWLEDGMENTS0 1

PREFACE This reference book has been prepared for the Lalith Athulathmudali Debate Competition 2026 – Sinhala Medium, Second Round, held on 20 September 2026. It is intended to provide participants with a concise and reliable collection of statistical data, quotations, graphs, and articles relevant to the debate topic: “ශ්‍රී ලංකාව සංවර් ධනය කිරී ෙ දී වැඩි අවධානයක් ෙයාමු කළ යුත් ෙත් ආර්ථි ක සංවර් ධනය ෙකෙරහි ෙ/ෙනාෙ” The purpose of this book is to assist debaters in developing arguments based on reliable evidence, recognised research, and authoritative sources, rather than relying solely on opinion or unsupported claims. The material has therefore been selected to provide relevant economic and development-related information concerning Sri Lanka and the wider international context. The references and statistical information included in this book have been gathered from reputable and authoritative sources, including the International Monetary Fund (IMF), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), World Bank Group (WBG), and the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, together with other recognised institutions and publications. The quotations included have likewise been taken from respected international organisations and institutions whose work is relevant to economic and human development. The articles presented in this collection have been selected from reputable Sri Lankan organisations and internationally recognised institutions, with the intention of providing participants with a broader understanding of the economic, social, and developmental issues surrounding the topic. This book is intended solely as a reference and research aid for the competition. The inclusion of any particular source, quotation, statistic, or article does not by itself constitute an endorsement of its conclusions. Participants are encouraged to examine the evidence critically, consider the context in which each source was produced, and form their own arguments accordingly. We hope that this collection will assist participants in engaging with the subject thoughtfully, accurately, and with due regard for evidence.0 2

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Based on data from the Central Bank of Sri Lanka0 3

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Sri Lanka Socio-Economic Data 2025 – Volume XLVIII Published by Statistics Department, Central Bank of Sri Lanka, 30, Janadhipathi Mawatha, Colombo 01, Sri Lanka.0 6

Sri Lanka Socio-Economic Data 2025 – Volume XLVIII Published by Statistics Department, Central Bank of Sri Lanka, 30, Janadhipathi Mawatha, Colombo 01, Sri Lanka.0 7

0 8“If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally.”— JA M E S 1 : 5 ( K J V )

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“human development focuses on improving the lives people lead rather than assuming that economic growth will lead, automatically, to greater wellbeing for all. Income growth is seen as a means to development, rather than an end in itself.” H D R . U N D P. O R G . ( 2 0 2 3 ) . H U M A N D E V E LO P M E N T. [ O N L I N E ] AVA I L A B L E AT : H T T P S : / / H D R . U N D P. O R G / A B O U T / H U M A N - D E V E LO P M E N T [ A C C E S S E D 1 9 S E P T. 2 0 2 6 ] . QUOTE - 1 “The report focuses on the issue of why economic growth has not been translated into any substantial poverty reduction... The Uganda Report’s chapter on “The Link Between Economic Growth and Human Development” is able to tellingly examine the paradox of pervasive poverty existing in spite of recent economic growth. In response, the Government has designated several areas of intervention as Priority Programme Areas (PPAs): primary education, primary health care, rehabilitation of feeder roads, rural water supply and sanitation and agricultural research and development.” U N D P ( U N I T E D NAT I O N S D E V E LO P M E N T P R O G R A M M E ( 1 9 9 6 ) . G E N E R A L H U M A N D E V E LO P M E N T R E P O RT : U G A N DA 1 9 9 6 . [ O N L I N E ] H U M A N D E V E LO P M E N T R E P O RT S . AVA I L A B L E AT : H T T P S : / / H D R . U N D P. O R G / C O N T E N T / G E N E R A L - H U M A N - D E V E LO P M E N T - R E P O RT - U G A N DA - 1 9 9 6 [ A C C E S S E D 1 9 S E P T. 2 0 2 6 ] . QUOTE - 20 9

“Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom.” — Proverbs 4:7 (KJV) “From 1990 to 2025, the total number of people worldwide living in extreme poverty declined from around 2.3 billion to 831 million, each trying to survive on less than $3 per day. The sharp decline over this period was largely driven by robust, broad-based economic growth in East Asia and South Asia.” W O R L D BA N K . O R G . ( 2 0 2 5 ) . P O V E RT Y | W O R L D BA N K G R O U P. [ O N L I N E ] AVA I L A B L E AT : H T T P S : / / W W W. W O R L D BA N K . O R G / E X T / E N / T O P I C / P O V E RT Y [ A C C E S S E D 1 9 S E P T. 2 0 2 6 ] . QUOTE - 3 “Poverty is a multidimensional problem that goes beyond economics to include, among other things, social, political, and cultural issues. Therefore, solutions to poverty cannot be based exclusively on economic policies.” I M F. O R G . ( 2 0 2 0 ) . M A C R O E C O N O M I C P O L I C Y A N D P O V E RT Y R E D U C T I O N. [ O N L I N E ] AVA I L A B L E AT : H T T P S : / / W W W. I M F. O R G / E X T E R NA L / P U B S / F T / E X R P / M A C R O P O L / E N G / I N D E X . H T M [ A C C E S S E D 1 9 S E P T. 2 0 2 6 ] . QUOTE - 4 “Extreme poverty has become increasingly concentrated in Sub-Saharan Africa, and places affected by conflict and fragility. Although a necessary condition, economic growth is not enough to break the cycle of poverty. Stronger foundational investments in infrastructure, human capital, and institutions are critical to ensure people can climb the socioeconomic ladder and escape extreme poverty.” W O R L D BA N K . O R G . ( 2 0 2 5 ) . P O V E RT Y | W O R L D BA N K G R O U P. [ O N L I N E ] AVA I L A B L E AT : H T T P S : / / W W W. W O R L D BA N K . O R G / E X T / E N / T O P I C / P O V E RT Y [ A C C E S S E D 1 9 S E P T. 2 0 2 6 ] . QUOTE - 51 0

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“comprehensive poverty reduction strategies. So why focus on macroeconomic issues? Because economic growth is the single most important factor influencing poverty, and macroeconomic stability is essential for high and sustainable rates of growth. Hence, macroeconomic stability should be a key component of any poverty reduction strategy.” 1 2 I M F - H T T P S : / / W W W. I M F. O R G / E X T E R NA L / P U B S / F T / E X R P / M A C R O P O L / E N G / I N D E X . H T M ? U T M QUOTE - 6 “The EFF-supported program aims to restore Sri Lanka’s macroeconomic stability and debt sustainability, mitigate the economic impact on the poor and vulnerable, safeguard financial sector stability, and strengthen governance and growth potential. The Executive Board’s decision will enable an immediate disbursement equivalent to SDR 254 million (about US$333 million) and catalyze financial support from other development partners.” G E O R G I E VA , K . ( 2 0 2 3 ) . I M F E X E C U T I V E B OA R D A P P R O V E S U S $ 3 B I L L I O N U N D E R T H E N E W E X T E N D E D F U N D FA C I L I T Y ( E F F ) A R R A N G E M E N T F O R S R I L A N K A . [ O N L I N E ] I M F. AVA I L A B L E AT : H T T P S : / / W W W. I M F. O R G / E N / N E W S / A RT I C L E S / 2 0 2 3 / 0 3 / 2 0 / P R 2 3 7 9 - I M F - E X E C U T I V E - B OA R D - A P P R O V E S - U N D E R - T H E - N E W- E F F - A R R A N G E M E N T - F O R - S R I - L A N K A [ A C C E S S E D 1 9 S E P T. 2 0 2 6 ] . QUOTE - 7 “The authorities are implementing the four-year EFF program approved in March 2023. The program prioritizes macroeconomic stabilization, restoration of fiscal and financial sustainability, and growth-enhancing reforms including governance. The Parliament endorsed the policies under the program on April 28 and a resolution on the implementation of domestic debt restructuring on July 1. The initial strong reform momentum has yielded increased tax revenues, a rapid deceleration of inflation, reserves accumulation, and an easing of shortages of essential goods. Social tensions have subsided somewhat.” I M F. O R G . ( 2 0 2 6 ) . W E LC O M E T O Z S C A L E R D I R E C T O RY AU T H E N T I C AT I O N. [ O N L I N E ] AVA I L A B L E AT : H T T P S : / / W W W. E L I B R A RY. I M F. O R G / V I E W / J O U R NA L S / 0 0 2 / 2 0 2 3 / 4 0 8 / A RT I C L E - A 0 0 1 - E N. X M L [ A C C E S S E D 1 9 S E P T. 2 0 2 6 ] . QUOTE - 81 1

“The Middle East conflict poses the most significant external shock to Sri Lanka since the 2022 economic crisis, with substantial risks still at play. The government announced a temporary relief package in April to alleviate its impact including targeted transfers to vulnerable groups, while preserving fiscal space by allowing fuel price adjustments to pass through. In response to devastating Cyclone Ditwah in late 2025, the government deployed emergency relief and restored essential services, containing disruptions to economic activity, and appropriated additional spending to support recovery and reconstruction.” S R I L A N K A : F I F T H A N D S I X T H R E V I E W S U N D E R T H E E X T E N D E D A R R A N G E M E N T U N D E R T H E E X T E N D E D F U N D FA C I L I T Y, R E Q U E S T S F O R A WA I V E R O F N O N O B S E RVA N C E O F A P E R F O R M A N C E C R I T E R I O N , M O D I F I C AT I O N O F P E R F O R M A N C E C R I T E R I A , A N D F I NA N C I N G A S S U R A N C E S R E V I E W- P R E S S R E L E A S E ; S TA F F R E P O RT ; A N D S TAT E M E N T B Y T H E E X E C U T I V E D I R E C T O R F O R S R I L A N K A . ( 2 0 2 6 ) . [ O N L I N E ] D O I : 1 0 . 5 0 8 9 / 9 7 9 8 2 2 9 0 4 8 3 4 7 . 0 0 2 . A 0 0 1 . QUOTE - 9 “Economic factors, social considerations, and the desire to build a stable future are often intertwined and collectively act as push factors [25]. While a low level of economic development in the country of origin is undoubtedly a key driver of migration, a large economic gap with the destination country may also serve as a pull factor ” L E E , H . - S . , K U R BAT S K I I , A . N. A N D M I R O N E N KO VA , M . V. ( 2 0 2 5 ) . T H E I M PA C T O F B R A I N D R A I N O N E C O N O M I C G R O W T H : A C O M PA R AT I V E A NA LY S I S O F P R E - A N D P O S T - O U T B R E A K O F C O V I D - 1 9 P E R I O D S . S U S TA I NA B L E F U T U R E S , [ O N L I N E ] 1 0 , P. 1 0 1 0 8 3 . D O I : 1 0 . 1 0 1 6 / J. S F T R . 2 0 2 5 . 1 0 1 0 8 3 . QUOTE - 10 “The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance.” — Proverbs 21:51 2

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“Minister of Health Nalinda Jayatissa informed Parliament that Sri Lanka currently lacks 1,139 specialist doctors, with only 2,042 serving in 134 key hospitals. From 2020 to 2024, 570 specialists left due to retirement, resignations, or no-pay leave. A significant portion of the current workforce is nearing retirement age.” S TA F F W R I T E R ( 2 0 2 5 ) . S R I L A N K A FA C E S S H O RTA G E O F O V E R 1 , 1 0 0 S P E C I A L I S T D O C T O R S . [ O N L I N E ] L AT E S T I N T H E N E W S S P H E R E | T H E M O R N I N G . AVA I L A B L E AT : H T T P S : / / T H E M O R N I N G . L K / / A RT I C L E S / X E 1 Q F Q C C KG Z Q J U Y L S R A B [ A C C E S S E D 1 9 S E P T. 2 0 2 6 ] . ARTICLE - O1 “Feedback received from developers indicates strong market interest from prospective end users and investors for the planned residential and mixed-use developments. This positive demand outlook reinforces the attractiveness of Colombo Port City’s emerging real estate offering and reflects growing confidence in Sri Lanka’s future as a competitive regional investment destination. In parallel, the approved Secondary BSIs are projected to generate approximately US$364 million in foreign exchange inflows during the same period while creating an estimated 10,000 or more direct employment opportunities.” ARTICLE - O2 P O RT C I T Y C O LO M B O. G O V. L K . ( 2 0 2 6 ) . N E W I N V E S T M E N T S R E I N F O R C E C O LO M B O P O RT C I T Y ’ S R O L E A S A C ATA LY S T F O R E C O N O M I C G R O W T H . [ O N L I N E ] AVA I L A B L E AT : H T T P S : / / W W W. P O RT C I T Y C O LO M B O. G O V. L K / N E W S / 2 0 2 6 0 6 1 5 / N E W- I N V E S T M E N T S - R E I N F O R C E - C O LO M B O - P O RT - C I T Y [ A C C E S S E D 1 9 S E P T. 2 0 2 6 ] . “Together with the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, the CPCEC remains committed to facilitating investment, streamlining regulatory processes, and supporting the growth of high-value, export-oriented and service-driven industries aligned with Sri Lanka’s long-term development priorities.” P O RT C I T Y C O LO M B O. G O V. L K . ( 2 0 2 6 ) . N E W I N V E S T M E N T S R E I N F O R C E C O LO M B O P O RT C I T Y ’ S R O L E A S A C ATA LY S T F O R E C O N O M I C G R O W T H . [ O N L I N E ] AVA I L A B L E AT : H T T P S : / / W W W. P O RT C I T Y C O LO M B O. G O V. L K / N E W S / 2 0 2 6 0 6 1 5 / N E W- I N V E S T M E N T S - R E I N F O R C E - C O LO M B O - P O RT - C I T Y [ A C C E S S E D 1 9 S E P T. 2 0 2 6 ] . ARTICLE - O31 3

“Geographic brain drain is driven by factors such as political instability, poor quality of life, and limited economic opportunities, prompting talent to move to areas offering improved prospects.” Y O U N G , J. ( 2 0 2 1 ) . B R A I N D R A I N : D E F I N I T I O N , C AU S E S , E F F E C T S , A N D E X A M P L E S . [ O N L I N E ] I N V E S T O P E D I A . AVA I L A B L E AT : H T T P S : / / W W W. I N V E S T O P E D I A . C O M / T E R M S / B / B R A I N _ D R A I N. A S P [ A C C E S S E D 1 9 S E P T. 2 0 2 6 ] . ARTICLE - O41 4

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS First and foremost, we give thanks to Almighty God, whose guidance, wisdom, and grace have made this work possible. We express our deepest gratitude to Miss Wandana De Silva, Teacher of Political Science and one of the teachers in charge of preparing the students for the Lalith Athulathmudali Debate Competition 2026, and Miss Hansani Abeygunasekara, who has worked alongside her in guiding and preparing the students for this competition. Their dedication, guidance, and unwavering support throughout the preparation of the debate team are deeply appreciated. Their presence and continuous encouragement have been invaluable to the students. We extend our sincere thanks to Miss Yassasya Henttiarachi for her valuable assistance in developing and preparing this reference document, as well as for her encouragement and support towards the debate team. We are grateful to all those who have contributed, directly or indirectly, to the preparation of this reference book and to the students participating in the competition. Their support and encouragement have helped make this work possible.1 5

“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.”— P R OV E R B S 9 : 1 0 ( K J V )1 6