-By A Special Correspondent
(Lanka-e-News -04.March.2025, 11.20 PM) In Sri Lanka, economic crises come and go, but one thing remains constant—the sudden emergence of so-called "economic commentators." These self-styled experts appear out of nowhere, armed with little more than buzzwords and generic observations, and somehow manage to find themselves at the center of national economic debates.
The latest addition to this ever-growing club is Talal Rafi—a name that most Sri Lankans probably hadn’t heard until recently, and perhaps for good reason. Unlike economists with years of rigorous academic training, policy experience, and a track record of shaping economic thought, Rafi appears to have built a career out of vague generalizations and social climbing.
Recently, Talal Rafi wrote an article arguing for economic integration between Sri Lanka and India. The core of his argument? That a few bilateral agreements mean that deep economic integration is both sensible and inevitable.
If that sounds oversimplified, it’s because it is.
Rafi does not explore the fundamental economic asymmetry between the two nations. India, a trillion-dollar economy, is a global powerhouse. Sri Lanka, in contrast, is still recovering from bankruptcy. Any integration must be carefully structured to prevent Sri Lanka from becoming economically dependent on India.
He does not discuss the historical, political, and trade complexities that have shaped Sri Lanka’s cautious approach to deeper economic ties with India.
He does not analyze the potential risks of over-reliance on a single economic partner or offer any insights into how Sri Lanka could negotiate terms to protect its own industries.
In short, his analysis lacks depth, data, and any meaningful economic reasoning.
It is fair to ask: Who is Talal Rafi? What qualifies him to make sweeping statements about Sri Lanka’s economic future?
His most high-profile appointment appears to have been at the Lakshman Kadirgamar Institute, a government-affiliated think tank, where he was appointed by former Foreign Minister Ali Sabry. But what expertise does he bring? What original research or policy work has he produced?
Real economists spend decades studying economic theory, analyzing data, working with international financial institutions, and shaping policy discussions. Talal Rafi, however, seems to have fast-tracked his way to media prominence without any of this grounding.
This is not about personal attacks—it is about the quality of economic discourse in Sri Lanka. The country is in an economic crisis, and media platforms should be prioritizing voices with genuine expertise and real-world experience.
One of the biggest problems facing Sri Lanka is not just economic mismanagement but also intellectual bankruptcy in public discourse.
Media houses frequently prioritize soundbites over substance, giving airtime to commentators who are more interested in self-promotion than serious economic debate.
Genuine experts, including seasoned economists who have worked at institutions like the IMF, World Bank, and top universities, often get sidelined because their insights require time and depth to explain—something that doesn't fit into a five-minute TV segment or a viral social media post.
This has led to the rise of a class of "media economists"—people who understand how to market themselves, but not how to solve complex economic issues.
Talal Rafi is a symptom of this broader trend—someone who has leveraged media exposure to position himself as an expert, despite lacking the rigorous credentials or experience needed to make meaningful contributions to Sri Lanka’s economic recovery.
A nation’s economic future is not a casual debate topic for social climbers looking for relevance. The wrong policies, influenced by shallow thinkers, can have devastating long-term consequences.
Let’s be clear:
Sri Lanka’s economic crisis is not a theoretical problem—it has real human costs.
Families are struggling to afford basic necessities, businesses are collapsing, and the country is relying on IMF bailouts to stay afloat.
Economic policy decisions today will determine whether Sri Lanka recovers or remains trapped in a cycle of debt and dependency.
This is not the time for unqualified commentators to be shaping public opinion on economic policy.
Sri Lanka’s media has a responsibility. If we are serious about fixing our economic problems, we must stop giving platforms to individuals who lack the credentials, expertise, and depth of knowledge to contribute meaningfully.
Instead, we should be:
Prioritizing experts with real-world experience—economists who have worked in global financial institutions, advised governments, and published peer-reviewed research.
Holding commentators accountable—asking them tough questions, fact-checking their claims, and ensuring that economic discussions are rooted in data, not personal opinions.
Rejecting "instant economists"—stopping the cycle where social climbers use media appearances to manufacture credibility.
If Talal Rafi is serious about contributing to economic discussions, he should invest in proper academic training, conduct real research, and engage with serious economic institutions.
Until then, Sri Lanka cannot afford to let its national discourse be shaped by self-appointed "experts" with no real expertise.
This is not about one individual—it is about setting a standard. Sri Lanka’s economic recovery depends on informed decisions, not media hype.
So, let’s stop entertaining economic amateurs and start listening to the professionals. Our national future depends on it.
-By A Special Correspondent
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by (2025-03-04 17:53:42)
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