withMilinda

About withMilinda

With Milinda" podcast for the latest updates and insights from Milinda Moragoda. Stay connected as we share news on diplomatic activities, engagements with global leaders, and in-depth perspectives & Insights.

Publisher

withMilinda

Category

news

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

5 Jun 2023

Latest episode

7 Jun 2023

Latest episodes

3 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   7 Jun 2023

   Sri Lanka's Economic Crisis and India's Crucial Role: A Path to Recovery

   Podcast episode from ANI with Smita Prakash  featuring the Sri Lankan High Commissioner to India, Mr. Milinda Moragoda, two critical topics were discussed: India-Sri Lanka relations and the economic crisis that Sri Lanka faced in 2022. This blog post dives into the key points highlighted during the conversation, shedding light on the challenges Sri Lanka encountered and the crucial role played by India in stabilizing its economy. The Build-Up of an Economic Crisis: The economic crisis that befell Sri Lanka was not an overnight occurrence. As Mr. Moragoda pointed out, it was long in the making. Since gaining independence 75 years ago, Sri Lanka has been living beyond its means. A significant portion of government revenues, approximately 80%, was allocated to salaries and pensions for government servants. With a population of 22 million, the burden on the budget became unsustainable. Mismanagement and Lack of Wealth Creation: While Sri Lanka achieved commendable progress in education and healthcare, it failed to create wealth in the private sector. The country's economy was heavily reliant on government services, and the private sector did not receive adequate attention. This lack of wealth creation and failure to restructure the economy left Sri Lanka vulnerable to economic challenges. India's Crucial Role in Stabilization: During the crisis, India played a crucial role in stabilizing Sri Lanka's economy. While other international institutions, including the IMF, were unwilling to step in, India provided essential financial assistance amounting to 4 billion US dollars. This support allowed Sri Lanka to import crucial supplies and averted a more severe disruption. Prime Minister Modi and the Indian government's assistance were instrumental in stabilizing the economy during this critical period. India-Sri Lanka Relations: A Complex Historical Background: India's relationship with Sri Lanka is rooted in a history that spans over two thousand years. The two nations share intellectual, cultural, trade, religious, and linguistic links. However, the relationship has faced challenges, particularly during the civil war with the Tamil insurgent force, LTTE, in the 1970s and 80s. India's involvement in the conflict and the signing of the Indo-Sri Lanka Peace Accord in 1987 demonstrated the complexity of the relationship. The Path to Recovery and Future Prospects: To overcome the economic crisis and lay the foundation for future growth, Sri Lanka recognizes the need for structural changes and collaboration with India. Mr. Moragoda emphasized the importance of working with the IMF to stabilize the economy and subsequently focusing on a growth agenda. Restructuring the power and petroleum sectors and reducing the state's involvement in businesses are among the key steps needed. The integration and connectivity with India in various sectors, including electricity and oil, hold significant potential for Sri Lanka's recovery. Fostering Closer India-Sri Lanka Ties: Beyond the economic aspects, building closer ties between India and Sri Lanka is crucial for the region's stability and progress. Mr. Moragoda highlighted the shared cultural heritage and geographic proximity as compelling reasons to strengthen the bond. People-to-people exchanges and fostering a sense of shared genealogy will play a vital role in shaping a closer relationship. Sri Lanka's economic crisis was the result of long-standing issues, including the lack of wealth creation and inadequate restructuring of the economy. India's support during the crisis proved pivotal in stabilizing Sri Lanka's economy. Moving forward, integrating with India in various sectors and fostering closer ties will be key to Sri Lanka's recovery and future growth. The path to recovery requires collaboration, structural reforms, and people-to-people connections, all aimed at strengthening the India-Sri Lanka relationship and ensuring a more prosperous future for both nations.

2. 

   5 Jun 2023

   In Black & White - Milinda Moragoda with Dr. Mahathir Mohamad

   Dr. Mahathir Mohamad is a prominent Malaysian politician and statesman who has had a profound impact on the country's politics and development. Born on July 10, 1925, in Alor Setar, Malaysia, Mahathir is widely regarded as one of Malaysia's most influential and longest-serving political figures. After completing his medical studies at King Edward VII College of Medicine in Singapore, Mahathir worked as a government doctor before venturing into politics. He was elected as a Member of Parliament in 1964 and steadily climbed the ranks within the United Malays National Organization (UMNO), Malaysia's dominant political party. Mahathir's political career reached its pinnacle when he became the fourth Prime Minister of Malaysia in 1981, a position he held until 2003. During his tenure, he implemented a series of bold and ambitious policies aimed at modernizing Malaysia and accelerating its economic growth. His vision for Malaysia's development was encapsulated in his ambitious initiative called "Vision 2020," which aimed to transform Malaysia into a fully developed nation by the year 2020. Under Mahathir's leadership, Malaysia experienced significant economic expansion, infrastructural development, and technological advancements. He prioritized industrialization, implemented policies to attract foreign investments, and actively promoted the growth of the manufacturing and high-tech sectors. Mahathir's economic policies, commonly known as the "Malaysian model," helped elevate Malaysia's status as one of the "Asian Tigers" and positioned the country as a regional economic powerhouse. In addition to his focus on economic development, Mahathir also pursued policies that aimed to uplift the majority Malay population through affirmative action programs. These policies, known as the New Economic Policy (NEP), were designed to address socio-economic disparities and promote greater inclusivity in Malaysian society. Mahathir's leadership style was characterized by his assertiveness and strong-willed nature. He was known for his outspokenness and willingness to challenge conventional wisdom, both domestically and internationally. His criticism of Western dominance, advocacy for non-alignment, and calls for a more equitable global order resonated with many developing nations. After retiring as Prime Minister in 2003, Mahathir remained an influential figure in Malaysian politics and continued to voice his opinions on various issues. In a surprising turn of events, he made a political comeback in 2018, leading a coalition of opposition parties to victory in the general elections. At the age of 92, he became the oldest serving Prime Minister in the world. Throughout his career, Dr. Mahathir Mohamad has left an indelible mark on Malaysia's political and economic landscape. His leadership, bold policies, and unwavering commitment to the nation's development have earned him both admirers and critics. Regardless of differing opinions, Mahathir's influence on Malaysia's growth and his lasting contributions to the country's progress make him an iconic figure in Malaysian history.

3. 

   5 Jun 2023

   In Black & White - Milinda Moragoda with Amb. Shiv Shankar Menon

   Shiv Shankar Menon is a prominent Indian diplomat and statesman who has played a significant role in shaping India's foreign policy. Born on July 11, 1949, in Chennai, India, Menon has had a distinguished career spanning over four decades. Menon's educational background includes a Bachelor's degree in History from St. Stephen's College, Delhi, and a Master's degree in International Relations from the Jawaharlal Nehru University. He joined the Indian Foreign Service in 1972 and quickly rose through the ranks, taking on various important assignments both within India and abroad. One of Menon's notable roles was serving as India's Ambassador to China from 2000 to 2003, during a critical period of bilateral relations between the two countries. His expertise and understanding of China helped foster better understanding and cooperation between the two nations. Menon also served as India's High Commissioner to Pakistan from 2003 to 2006, where he played a vital role in promoting peace and stability in the region. In 2006, Menon was appointed as the Foreign Secretary of India, the highest-ranking diplomatic post in the Indian Foreign Service. During his tenure, he played a pivotal role in shaping India's foreign policy and representing the country's interests on the global stage. He was known for his pragmatic and nuanced approach to international relations, focusing on strengthening India's relations with major powers while simultaneously engaging with emerging economies and regional partners. Menon's contribution to India's foreign policy also extended to issues like climate change, energy security, and regional integration. He played an instrumental role in the successful negotiation and implementation of the Indo-US Civil Nuclear Agreement in 2008, which marked a significant milestone in India's nuclear diplomacy. After his term as Foreign Secretary, Menon served as India's National Security Advisor from 2010 to 2014. In this role, he provided strategic advice to the Prime Minister on matters of national security, defense policy, and international relations. Menon's tenure as National Security Advisor coincided with a period of significant geopolitical challenges, and his astute guidance helped shape India's response to these issues. Throughout his career, Menon has been recognized for his diplomatic acumen and strategic thinking. He is known for his ability to navigate complex geopolitical situations with finesse, earning him respect both at home and abroad. After retiring from government service, Menon has continued to contribute to the field of international relations through writing and speaking engagements, sharing his insights and experiences. Shiv Shankar Menon's vast experience and deep understanding of international affairs have made him one of India's most influential diplomats. His contributions have not only enhanced India's standing in the world but have also helped shape the course of regional and global politics.

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