The daily lives of Sri Lankans often go unrecognised in official stories about development and progress. Yet, these everyday experiences reveal much more about how national economic policies affect education, healthcare, public transport, social security, agriculture, manufacturing, and services. They also show the real impact of organisations such as the IMF, the World Bank, and the ADB, as well as the effects of debt restructuring and other reforms on land, natural resources, and people’s rights.

People who face debt, poverty, inequality, pollution, and environmental collapse in their daily lives often understand what needs to change in policy. Still, policymakers rarely listen to them or include their voices in policymaking.

This endeavour aims to record the stories of those whose voices are often left out. The economy is more than just numbers like GDP or inflation. It is about dignity, life, and hope.

හඬ / குரல் / The Voice is our way of listening.

This archive is still growing. We will add stories one by one, and we invite you to listen along the way.