Crisis in Sri Lanka

Hopkins Podcast on Foreign Affairs

Extreme inflation, fuel shortages, protests on such a scale that they removed a prime minister from office. These events and more have developed into a significant threat to Sri Lanka’s political and economic stability. In this episode, we will explore the causes of this crisis, like economic mismanagement; the story behind the Rajapaksa political dynasty, which has held influence over the country for over a decade; and how this crisis impacts the people of Sri Lanka. In order to explain the crisis in Sri Lanka, joining us on the podcast today is Michael Kugelman.

Michael Kugelman is the Deputy Director of the Asia Program and Senior Associate for South Asia at the Wilson Center. He’s a leading specialist on Afghanistan, India, and Pakistan and their relations with the United States. The editor or co-editor of 11 books, he has written for The New York Times, Foreign Policy, Foreign Affairs, and other publications, covering topics ranging from U.S. policy in Afghanistan to terrorism to water, energy, and food security in the region.

Crisis in Sri Lanka

Editor: Leo Kamer

Music: Zee Yuen

Hosts: Leo Kamer, Nicole Rivas