Economic Freedom: The Path to Economic and Political Emancipation of the Conflict-Affected Region

Abstract

This working paper is a written version of an oral presentation made originally at a seminar jointly organised by the Pathfinder Foundation and Point Pedro Institute of Development in Colombo on June 05, 2009 on the revival of the Northern Economy and subsequently at the Peace Research Institute Oslo (PRIO) on July 27, 2009. This working paper argues the case for a comprehensive policy framework for the revival of the economy of the conflict-affected region, viz. the Eastern and Northern Provinces, in Sri Lanka. In lieu of going into sectoral specificities, this policy paper outlines a broad policy framework enshrined on economic freedom, transparent and accountable politico-economic governance structure, knowledge economy, and fiscal autonomy for the conflict-affected provinces and beyond. An edited version of this Working Paper was published in the journal Conflict Trends in December 2009.