IGIDR Working Paper: “Rethinking the Development of Post-War Sri Lanka Based on the Singapore Model”

NO : WP-2017-009

AUTHOR :Sanika Sulochani Ramanayake & Chandana Shrinath Wijetunga

TITLE :  Rethinking the Development of Post-War Sri Lanka Based on the Singapore Model

ABSTRACT :

This study explores three major points, namely, Singapore’s development process, Singapore’s model of economic development, and the economic challenges of post-war Sri Lanka. This study explores pages of Singapore’s past and elaborates the focal points that resulted in its current development status. Sri Lanka’s development is discussed and compared with that of Singapore. Insights into Sri Lanka and other developing countries are also provided. This study revealed clear influences of nation-building process on Singapore’s economic development. By contrast, Sri Lanka’s civil war that spans three decades and its politically unstable post-colonial history adversely affected the country’s development. The industrial sectors of Sri Lanka are concentrated on low-skilled labor and manufacturing, mainly textile and clothing. The civil war in Sri Lanka ended in 2009, but many challenges remained. Therefore, this study examines the impact of Singapore is creating policies for (re)nation building and (re)setting economic goals for post-war Sri Lanka.

Keywords : Singapore model, nation building, political democracy, economic development, Sri Lanka, Singapore

JEL Code : O40, P5
Weblink : http://www.igidr.ac.in/pdf/publication/WP-2017-009.pdf