Rubber & Rice

On the IMF, Civil Society, and South-South Cooperation in Zambia & Sri Lanka w/ Grieve Chelwa

I'm joined by Zambian Economist Grieve Chelwa [https://twitter.com/gchelwa?s=20] for a wide-ranging discussion on the IMF's one-size fits all approach to countries, and the complicity of so-called civil society in furthering the agenda of Western-dominated multilateral institutions. We also discuss the iterative process of industrialization in the post-independence era, the colonial origins of mainstream economics, and the emerging multipolar world which provides opportunities and alternatives for developing countries like Zambia and Sri Lanka. Grieve is the Director of Research at the Institute of Race, Power & Political Economy at The New School, New York. Music: Intro: Walakulin Basa by Sunil Santha Outro: Tiyende Pamodzi by Kenneth Kaunda

On State-Owned Enterprises and the Privatization Debate w/ Vinod Moonesinghe

In the context of ongoing negotiations with the IMF, and the Sri Lankan government's plans to privatize a host of state-owned enterprises, I'm joined by Vinod Moonesinghe to dig a little bit deeper into the history of SOEs in Sri Lanka, and the debates over efficiency, reform, and privatization. Vinod's background and experience brings a unique perspective to understanding the actual conditions under which Sri Lanka's SOEs were set up, and their intended purpose.

On Economic Sovereignty, Independent Central Banks, and Currency Boards w/ Howard Nicholas

In the context of Sri Lanka's 75th independence day, and the deep economic crisis that the country finds itself in, I'm joined by economist Howard Nicholas to discuss economic sovereignty, and the implications of calls for Sri Lanka to adopt an independent Central Bank, or a Currency Board.