Dr harold Gunatillake

Economic Impact of Increased American Tariffs on Sri Lanka – By Dr Harold Gunatillake An Analysis of Potential Consequences Overview of Sri Lanka – United States Trade Over the past five years, exports from Sri Lanka to the United States have experienced an annualised growth rate of 1.38%, rising from $2.78 billion in 2018 to $2.98 billion in 2023. Dominance of Apparel Exports In 2023, Sri Lanka’s top exports to the US were apparel (US$1.9 billion), followed by rubber-based products and tea. The US was Sri Lanka’s largest export market, absorbing $2.98 billion worth of Sri Lankan goods. Image Source : .businessoffashion The imposition of higher tariffs by the United States on Sri Lanka’s exported goods is poised to have significant repercussions on the island nation’s economy. As Sri Lanka relies heavily on exports for its economic sustenance, any disruption to this stream can lead to a cascade of adverse effects. ...

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Can the US Proudly Embrace Another Democratic Nation, Like Greenland, as Part of Its Family of Nations? – By Dr Harold Gunatillake Exploring the Implications and Possibilities A 1951 treaty granted the US a significant role in Greenland’s defence, and construction on the Thule military base, now known as Pituffik Space Base, began around 1953 in northwest Greenland. The US military frequently takes part in NATO exercises in Greenlandic waters. (NATO exercises are military training events that encompass a variety of formats, including live exercises and computer simulations. These events are meticulously designed to evaluate procedures, tactics, and interoperability among allied forces, thereby enhancing their preparedness and capacity to respond to threats. The strategic headquarters of NATO undertakes the planning of these exercises, which are accessible to partner countries to promote collaboration interoperability. J.D. Vance and his wife Usha’s visit to Greenland The United States has long considered Greenland vital ...

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Sri Lanka’s Response to U.S. Tariffs: Navigating Economic Turbulence. – By Dr Harold Gunatillake Hello Readers, It’s truly disheartening to see our country facing such challenges, especially as we strive to bounce back from the harsh economic times we’ve endured. Sri Lanka faces a pivotal challenge as the United States imposes a 44% tariff on its exports, potentially resulting in an annual revenue loss of $3 billion. This tariff primarily impacts the apparel and tea industries, undermining a significant portion of Sri Lanka’s economic lifeline. The United States has long been Sri Lanka’s most significant export destination, accounting for 23% of the country’s total merchandise exports in 2024. Of nearly 3 billion in exports to the U.S. last year, the vast majority—over 70%—came from the apparel sector. These include men’s and women’s undergarments, outerwear, T- shirts, sportswear, gloves, and baby garments. Prominent figures in the industry and economic analysts caution ...

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Frustrated by Putin, Trump brandishes ultimate weapon – By Dr Harold Gunatillake Trump has expressed frustration over Vladimir Putin’s refusal to reach a swift ceasefire in Ukraine. In an interview with NBC News, the U.S. president, who had pledged during his campaign to end the war quickly, threatened to impose tariffs of 25% to 50% on countries that purchase Russian oil. “If Russia and I are unable to make a deal on stopping the bloodshed in Ukraine, and if I think it was Russia’s fault—which it might not be—but if I think it was Russia’s fault, I am going to put secondary tariffs on oil, on all oil coming out of Russia,” Trump explained. “That would mean that if you buy oil from Russia, you can’t do business in the United States. There will be a 25% tariff on all oil, and a 25 to 50-point tariff on all oil,” he added. ...

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Diabetes: An Insulin-Resistant Malady – By Dr Harold Gunatillake   Understanding the True Nature and Effective Treatment Approaches Hello my Readers, In Sri Lanka, there is a high prevalence of type 2 diabetes. A 2019 national survey revealed that almost one in four Sri Lankan adults (23%) had diabetes, and another one in three (31%) had high blood sugar levels. There are many undiagnosed diabetic cases, especially in rural areas, since most people are not health conscious. Those who are diagnosed often prefer Ayurvedic treatment over proper, scientifically proven Western methods. A significant portion (38%) of those with diabetes in Sri Lanka remain undiagnosed. The prevalence of pre-diabetes is also high, with a pooled pre- diabetes prevalence of 15.57%. Studies have shown that the prevalence of type 2 diabetes was highest in the Northern province, followed by the Southern, North- Central, and Central provinces. The prevalence of diabetes is higher ...

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Metabolic Syndrome is highly prevalent among the population of Sri Lanka. – By Dr Harold Gunatillake An overview of the conditions, their causes, and preventive measures. A common finding in Sri Lanka today is that many people visibly carry pot-bellies as if it were no one’s business. They appear remarkably indifferent to the consequences of possessing such a ‘time bomb’. Let’s first define metabolic syndrome. Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of conditions that occur together, increasing the risk of heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. These conditions include raised blood pressure, high blood sugar levels, excess body fat around the waist, and abnormal cholesterol or triglyceride levels. Having just one of these conditions doesn’t mean you have metabolic syndrome, but it does heighten your risk of severe disease. Now, what do we understand by the term metabolic health, and what are its five signs? The five criteria for metabolic ...

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Discovering ancient flush toilets in palatial residences in South Korea. – By Dr Harold Gunatillake Showcasing the ingenuity of ancient civilisations. Archaeologists Discover 1,300-Year-Old Multiple Flush Toilets at a Palace Complex in South Korea. “The discovery of ancient flush toilets at The Donggung Palace complex in South Korea is regarded as a significant discovery, highlighting the advanced sanitation facilities available to the elite of the Silla Kingdom. This is a fascinating topic: the discoveries of flushing toilets in ancient palaces. Let us delve deeper into this intriguing subject. I was inspired to create this video after reading an article by Sarah Kuta in Smithsonian magazine. The discovery of 1,300-year-old flush toilets at the Donggung Palace complex in South Korea offers a glimpse into the advanced sanitation systems of the Unified Silla period. These toilets, including one that drained directly into a nearby river, highlight the sophistication of royal facilities at ...

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Alcohol consumption is a nuanced issue, with a range of benefits and risks to consider. By understanding these factors, we can make informed decisions about our alcohol consumption. – By Dr Harold Gunatillake   It’s common to find people, including women, who don’t enjoy going out with friends for a drink or having something to sip on when the occasion arises! Moderate drinking is associated with a longer life compared to both non drinkers and heavy drinkers; however, the reasons for this connection remain unclear. The 90+ Study conducted by the University of California, Irvine’s Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders found that consuming about two glasses of wine or beer daily was linked to an 18% reduction in the risk of early death. Additionally, a meta-analysis of 34 prospective cohorts revealed that for women, consuming 1-2 drinks and for men, 2-4 drinks per day was associated with a ...

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