WPAN Policy Brief : Closing The Divide through Women's Access to Finance

Financial inclusion is the access individuals and businesses have to useful and affordable financial products and services that meet their needs, such as for transactions, payments, savings, credit and insurance. They also must be delivered in a responsible and sustainable way promoting engagement in the formal financial sector.  Access to affordable finance aims to enhance living standards, increase income, stimulate business investment, reduce unemployment, and foster economic growth by expanding financial networks and reducing barriers to entry. 

Here is the link to the WPAN Policy Brief on Closing the Divide through Women’s Access to Finance

Advocata Policy Brief : Tax Free Periods: Call for the Removal of Taxes on Menstrual Products

The affordability of sanitary napkins and its significant impact on the welfare of girls and women in Sri Lanka has become more pronounced in recent years. This is particularly evident due to the decline in purchasing power stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic and the economic crisis. Approximately 4 million Sri Lankans have descended into poverty since 2019, making the total number of Sri Lankans living in poverty approximately 7 million. Therefore, it is necessary to examine the ramifications of the lack of affordability of sanitary napkins which is worsened by the imposition of high taxes on sanitary napkins.

Here is the link to Advocata’s Policy Brief on Tax Free Periods: Call for the Removal of Taxes on Menstrual Products

Advocata Policy Brief : Minimum Room Rates

The proposed minimum room rates seek to place a rate of USD 100 on 5 star hotels, USD 75 for 4 star hotels, USD 50 for 3 star hotels, USD 35 for 2 star hotels, and USD 20 for 1 star hotels within the city of Colombo, effective from October 1, 2023. This will, in effect, act as a price control, ensuring that hotels within these star classifications located within the city of Colombo cannot price their rooms at rates lower than those prescribed by the government. The below policy brief will explore the dynamics of the hotel industry and provide a critical analysis of the potential consequences and challenges of implementing this scheme. By critically evaluating these effects, we aim to provide policymakers and stakeholders with a holistic perspective to inform their decisions.

Here is a link to Advocata’s Policy Brief on Sri Lanka’s Minimum Room Rates