December 31, Colombo (LNW): The University Grants Commission (UGC) has received the green light to proceed with the recruitment of new lecturers for Sri Lanka’s state universities, following a series of high-level discussions with the government.
The approval comes in response to the pressing shortage of academic staff across various institutions, exacerbated by a significant number of lecturers leaving the country for overseas opportunities in recent years.
Professor Kapila Seneviratne, Chairman of the UGC, confirmed that the decision was made after two rounds of talks with Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya.
The discussions focused on addressing the growing gap in faculty numbers, particularly as many experienced lecturers have sought opportunities abroad, leaving critical teaching positions unfilled.
In light of this, the government has agreed to approve the recruitment of new lecturers to fill 50 per cent of the current vacancies across the state university system.
This move is particularly significant for the newly established medical faculties, which are facing an acute shortage of qualified academic staff.
These faculties, essential to the country’s growing healthcare needs, have been struggling to recruit sufficient lecturers to maintain the quality of education and training for aspiring medical professionals.
Professor Seneviratne expressed optimism that this new hiring initiative would go a long way in alleviating the staff shortages, ensuring that the universities can continue to provide quality education to students across Sri Lanka.
He noted that the recruitment process will focus not only on filling existing vacancies but also on attracting talented academics to bolster the teaching capacity of the nation’s higher education institutions.
December 31, Colombo (LNW): The official YouTube channel of the Sri Lanka Police has fallen victim to a suspected hacking incident, leaving the platform compromised and inaccessible to the public.
The channel, which is typically used to share important updates, public safety messages, and videos related to law enforcement activities, is now displaying unauthorised content that was uploaded without the approval of the police force.
The breach was first noticed when viewers attempted to access the channel, only to find that it was no longer under the control of the authorities.
Instead, unfamiliar and potentially malicious material had been posted, raising serious concerns about the security of the platform and the sensitive nature of the compromised content.
In response, Sri Lankan authorities have swiftly launched an investigation to determine the identity of the hackers responsible for the attack and to regain control of the channel.
Cybersecurity experts are being consulted to assess the extent of the breach and to put measures in place to prevent similar incidents in the future.
December 31, Colombo (LNW): Showery weather condition is expected to continue further over Northern, North-central, Eastern and Uva provinces for next few days, the Department of Meteorology said in its daily weather forecast today (31).
Showers or thundershowers will occur at times in Northern, North-Central, Eastern and Uva provinces and in Matale district.
Fairly heavy showers above 75 mm can be expected at some places in Eastern and Uva provinces and in Matale and Polonnaruwa districts.
Showers or thundershowers will occur at several places elsewhere during the afternoon or night.
Fairly heavy showers above 75 mm can be expected at some places in Western, Sabaragamuwa and Southern provinces.
Fairly strong winds of (30-35) kmph can be expected at times over Northern, Eastern, North-central and North-western provinces.
Misty conditions can be expected at some places in Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central and Southern provinces during the morning.
The general public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimise damages caused by temporary localised strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.
Marine Weather:
Condition of Rain:
Showers or thundershowers will occur at several places in the sea areas extending from Kankasanthurai to Hambantota via Trincomalee and Pottuvil. Showers or thundershowers may occur at several places in the other sea areas around the island during the evening or night.
Winds:
Winds will be north-easterly in the sea areas around the island and speed will be (20-35) kmph. Wind speed can increase up to (40-50) kmph at times in the sea areas off the coast extending from Colombo to Hambantota via Puttalam, Kankasanthurai, Trincomalee and Batticaloa.
State of Sea:
The sea areas off the coast extending from Colombo to Hambantota via Puttalam, Kankasanthurai, Trincomalee and Batticaloa will be fairly rough at times. Temporarily strong gusty winds and very rough seas can be expected during thundershowers.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has instructed officials to take immediate action against drug trafficking and underworld activities in prisons: He emphasised expediting legal proceedings for involved inmates, proposed online methods for judicial processes, and called for improved infrastructure: The meeting also addressed the involvement of officials in irregular activities, with directives for disciplinary and legal actions, and discussed filling vacancies in the Government Analyst’s Department.
Attorney-at-Law Ravindra Manoj Gamage has been appointed as the official spokesperson for former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, effective from December 20, 2024: The appointment letter was handed over at Rajapaksa’s official residence in Colombo 07.
Former Tourism Minister Harin Fernando was involved in an altercation at the CH & FC Club in Colombo, where he was heard swearing and yelling before being escorted out, drawing boos from other guests: A video of the incident was edited to remove swear words to meet social media standards: The Cinnamon Gardens Police confirmed no complaints had been lodged: Fernando, who has faced controversy in recent times, is experiencing a decline in public trust.
Sri Lanka Police announced a special traffic plan for Colombo on New Year’s Eve, anticipating heavy crowds and vehicles at Galle Face Green to celebrate the arrival of 2025: The plan aims to alleviate traffic congestion in areas like Pettah, Fort, Kompanna Vidiya, and others: Parking will be restricted on Galle Central Road, with vehicles redirected to designated free and private parking areas.
A Gazette notification issued by Minister of Health and Mass Media, Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, prohibits the use of children under 12 years old in food advertising, effective January 1, 2025: This regulation, made in consultation with the Food Advisory Committee under the Food Act, No. 26 of 1980, amends the Food (Labelling and Advertising) Regulations 2022, as previously updated in December 2023.
To support vulnerable schoolchildren affected by the economic crisis, the government has decided to provide a Rs. 6,000 allowance for purchasing school stationery at the start of the 2025 school year: A survey revealed that 55% of schoolchildren, especially in rural and estate areas, have been impacted, with many reducing or stopping stationery purchases: Funds will be disbursed through Aswesuma bank accounts, and further allocations will be made in 2025 to extend the allowance to other eligible children: This initiative aims to ease the financial burden on parents and ensure educational continuity.
Colombo Chief Magistrate Thilina Gamage has requested the Judicial Service Commission to appoint another magistrate to handle the bribery case involving his brother, former Provincial Council member Salochana Gamage, arrested for allegedly accepting a Rs. 9 million bribe: Gamage emphasised it would be inappropriate for him to preside over the case and clarified that neither he nor the court were involved: Salochana Gamage and another individual were remanded until January 6, 2025.
The Parliament of Sri Lanka has announced the call for applications for the appointment of members to the National Commission on Women under the Women Empowerment Act No. 37 of 2024: The Constitutional Council seeks applicants with proven knowledge and experience in various fields: Applications and nominations must be submitted by January 20, 2025, via registered post or email to the Constitutional Council: Forms are available on the Parliamentary website.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has appointed new commanders for the Sri Lankan Army and Navy: Major General Lasantha Rodrigo has been named the 25th Commander of the Sri Lankan Army, succeeding Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage, who retires today (31): Rear Admiral Kanchana Banagoda has been appointed the 26th Commander of the Sri Lankan Navy, replacing Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera, who is set to retire today (31).
New Zealand secured a 45-run victory over Sri Lanka in the second Twenty20 at Mount Maunganui, taking a 2-0 lead in the three-match series: New Zealand posted 186-5, with Mitchell Hay’s 41* off 19 balls, while Jacob Duffy claimed 4 wickets for 15 runs: Sri Lanka, chasing 187, were all out for 141, with Duffy dismissing key batsmen Kusal Perera (48) and Pathum Nissanka (37): Sri Lanka struggled with New Zealand’s bouncy pitches, and despite a steady start, they collapsed after key wickets fell, including Perera and Nissanka.
December 30, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s coconut industry has achieved significant export revenue, with earnings of USD 782.32 million (LKR 228.84 billion) from coconut-based products in the first 11 months of the year.
This accomplishment comes amidst a severe domestic coconut shortage, declining production, and skyrocketing retail prices. Despite these challenges, the sector recorded double-digit growth in export earnings between January and November, driven by products like desiccated coconut, coconut oil, and activated carbon.
However, this growth masks a deeper crisis. The country’s annual harvest of approximately 3,100 million coconuts has seen a steep decline, falling by 700 million in 2024 alone.
Historically, Sri Lanka has required about 2,100 million coconuts for domestic consumption, with the surplus of 800 million contributing significantly to exports. Yet, recent years have seen the export of coconuts rise from 800 million to 1,400 million, aggravating domestic shortages.
The decline in production is rooted in longstanding issues, including auctioning of coconut lands under previous administrations, the fertilizer crisis of 2019–2020, and the whitefly infestation that began in 2020.
Successive governments failed to take effective action, leaving the industry vulnerable. Climate change has exacerbated the situation, with high temperatures reducing yields. Additionally, pest infestations—primarily by toque macaques and giant squirrels—destroy about 10% of the annual harvest, further straining supply.
In 2024, coconuts retailed at an unprecedented Rs 192 each, and even coconut shells sold for Rs 120 in some areas. Coconut oil production has also been severely affected, dropping 33.2% year-on-year to 23,789 metric tonnes. This scarcity has pushed prices for domestically produced 500ml bottles of “white” coconut oil to as high as Rs 850.
Export revenues continue to rise, particularly from coco peat and fiber products, which earned USD 13.56 million (LKR 3.96 billion) in November.
Yet, domestic consumers face recurring shortages and steep price increases. The Central Bank’s agricultural bulletin reported a 17.8% year-on-year drop in production for September, with monthly yields falling from 280 million nuts in March to 220 million in September.
Efforts to revitalize the industry have yielded limited results. In 2019, a former minister pledged reforms while climbing a coconut tree, but coconut prices have since doubled. Annual planting rates have dropped significantly, and no new land has been allocated for coconut cultivation in 25 years.
Experts warn of long-term repercussions for both consumers and the export market if these issues persist. Urgent measures are needed to address supply chain inefficiencies, stabilize prices, and increase yields. Recommendations include controlling pest populations, enhancing cultivation practices, and incentivizing the planting of new coconut trees.
Professor K.K.I.U. Arunakumara of Ruhuna University highlights the importance of government intervention. He suggests balancing animal populations and improving fertilization to boost yields. With the right steps, Sri Lanka can mitigate the coconut shortage and ensure the sustainability of this vital industry.
December 30, Colombo (LNW): The United States District Court for the Southern District of New York has extended the stay of litigation between Hamilton Reserve Bank (HRB) and Sri Lanka case on seeking damages for alleged non-payment of bonds, for the fourth time, postponing proceedings until January 15, 2025.
District Judge Denise Cote’s decision underscores the complexities surrounding Sri Lanka’s sovereign debt crisis, balancing legal, economic, and diplomatic considerations.
Sri Lanka’s financial struggles stem from a sovereign default in May 2022, prompting the nation to seek a $2.9 billion Extended Fund Facility (EFF) from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Approved in March 2023, the EFF required substantial economic reforms and negotiations with creditors.
Key milestones in 2024 included agreements with the Official Creditor Committee (OCC) in June, the Export-Import Bank of China, and private commercial creditors in September. By December 12, Sri Lanka launched a debt exchange program, with over 95% of bondholders participating, excluding HRB.
HRB, holding over $240 million in Sri Lanka’s sovereign bonds, filed its lawsuit in June 2022, seeking full payment of principal and accrued interest. Unlike other creditors, HRB has declined to participate in restructuring negotiations, arguing that its claims remain unaffected by the broader process.
While HRB acknowledged Sri Lanka’s restructuring progress, it opposed further delays in litigation. Judge Cote’s decision to extend the stay aligns with efforts to finalize restructuring, allowing the government to implement debt exchange outcomes.
The court’s decision reflects a strategic balance between creditor rights and Sri Lanka’s recovery efforts. Judge Cote noted that HRB’s claims would not be materially prejudiced by the delay, as any judgment would include pre-judgment interest. A premature resumption of litigation could disrupt recovery efforts and deter other creditors from cooperation.
Analysts expect Sri Lanka to submit a restructuring status report by January 6, 2025, with the debt exchange settlement anticipated by January 15. Successful completion is critical for stabilizing public finances, creating fiscal space, and rebuilding international confidence. However, allegations of inefficiency and corruption within the government cast doubt on its ability to deliver sustainable reforms.
Globally, this case sets an important precedent for managing sovereign debt disputes. The court’s emphasis on systemic stability over individual creditor claims underscores the interconnectedness of legal judgments and economic recovery. Policymakers may view this as a model for collaborative approaches to debt crises, balancing creditor rights with broader recovery goals.
As Sri Lanka nears the end of its restructuring journey, the outcome of this case will shape international debt resolution frameworks. For HRB and other stakeholders, January 2025 will mark a turning point, offering insights into managing sovereign defaults in a complex global economy.
December 30, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka is making significant strides to strengthen its Fairtrade network and promote sustainable exports through a collaborative initiative led by the Export Development Board (EDB) and the Fairtrade Network of Asia Pacific Producers (NAPP).
In December 2024, a pivotal stakeholders’ meeting was held in Colombo to discuss ongoing projects, challenges, and the future of Fairtrade in Sri Lanka.
The event united key representatives from local and international Fairtrade organizations, including EDB Chairman Mangala Wijesinghe, Fairtrade NAPP COO Bindu Sukumarapillai, and officials from the Department of Commerce, Sri Lanka Tea Board, and Coconut Development Authority.
Participants also included private sector stakeholders, reflecting broad-based support for Fairtrade initiatives.Central to the discussions was the Framework of Cooperation (FoC), an agreement designed to enhance collaboration between Sri Lanka and international Fairtrade bodies.
This framework aims to promote the country’s Fairtrade-certified products, such as tea, spices, coconut-based goods, and handicrafts, in global markets. Officially signed in January 2024, following Cabinet approval in December 2023, the FoC empowers the EDB to oversee its implementation and address policy concerns to support Fairtrade production and exports.
Sri Lanka’s Fairtrade-certified goods have gained growing demand, particularly in the European Union (EU), driven by sustainability-conscious consumers seeking ethically produced items. In 2022 alone, the country’s Fairtrade exports generated approximately €1 million, supported by 72 export companies and nearly 28,000 farmers engaged in sustainable production.
Fairtrade initiatives align with global sustainability goals by ensuring fair wages, better working conditions, and environmentally responsible practices. These efforts also support the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), creating a win-win situation for producers and consumers.
By reducing poverty and fostering social and environmental sustainability, Fairtrade bolsters Sri Lanka’s reputation as a reliable source of ethically produced goods.
During the meeting, EDB Chairman Mangala Wijesinghe highlighted the growing international recognition of Sri Lanka’s Fairtrade-certified products. “Sri Lanka is gaining a reputation for ethical trade, and we expect more producers to adopt Fairtrade standards as global demand continues to grow,” he remarked.
The FoC is expected to significantly increase Sri Lanka’s Fairtrade exports, particularly to the EU, through diversified product offerings and expanded market access. This initiative is poised to deliver substantial socio-economic benefits for small-scale producers, enabling them to improve their livelihoods while boosting the country’s foreign exchange earnings.
As the meeting concluded, stakeholders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the Fairtrade movement in Sri Lanka. The EDB expressed optimism about the country’s ability to capitalize on the growing demand for ethically sourced products, further enhancing its global market presence and supporting local communities.
With Fairtrade gaining momentum, Sri Lanka is well-positioned to expand its sustainable exports, contributing to the economy and fostering a better future for its producers.
December 30, Colombo (LNW): The latest edition of LMD magazine highlights that corporate sentiment in Sri Lanka remains largely unchanged despite the conclusion of the presidential and parliamentary elections.
The optimism ignited by the September presidential outcome persists, as reflected in the monthly LMD-PEPPERCUBE Business Confidence Index (BCI). However, the economic sentiment under the caretaker government has not seen significant shifts.
According to the November BCI survey, 41% of respondents were optimistic about the economy improving over the next year—a figure consistent with October’s results.
Meanwhile, 56% believed the economy would “stay the same,” up by 6%, and only 3% anticipated a worsening, marking a 6% decrease from the previous month. Sales outlooks among executives were similarly stable, with 46% expecting sales growth and 51% forecasting steady sales volumes.
With the elections behind, Sri Lanka’s economic landscape shows signs of recovery. Growth indicators are turning positive, the Sri Lankan Rupee has appreciated, and external debt restructuring nears completion.
A staff-level agreement with the IMF following the third review has bolstered optimism. Yet, sustaining this momentum will depend on inclusive and sustainable development strategies, especially in addressing tax reforms and factor market constraints.
Tax Regime Challenges:
The government faces a delicate balancing act in meeting IMF targets without overburdening taxpayers. An additional 1.5% of GDP in tax revenue is needed to achieve a 14% tax-to-GDP ratio by 2025. Proposals to reinstate VAT exemptions and offer income tax relief could result in revenue shortfalls.
To compensate, the IMF has suggested lifting the vehicle import ban, potentially yielding 0.8% of GDP, and improving tax administration through digitization and customs reforms. Modernizing the customs law and digitizing processes will widen the tax net and enhance efficiency.
Factor Market Reforms:
Addressing land, labor, and capital market constraints is critical to attracting foreign direct investment (FDI). Historically, Sri Lanka has relied on tax holidays to offset regulatory hurdles, incurring fiscal losses.
Reforms like digitizing land records, streamlining approval processes, and enacting the Sri Lanka Electricity Act to enhance renewable energy production could significantly boost investor confidence.
These measures aim to position Sri Lanka as a competitive destination for investment beyond low-cost manufacturing.
Growth Strategy:
With limited fiscal and monetary policy leverage, economic growth hinges on unlocking private sector potential. Reforms in regulatory frameworks will empower businesses—ranging from conglomerates to SMEs—to invest, expand, and drive the nation’s economic revival.
While optimism exists under the new administration, the focus must remain on tangible reforms to sustain recovery and foster long-term growth.
Sri Lanka has on average received less than one percent of GDP annually from foreign direct investments (FDI). Investors maintain that there are issues with accessing land, receiving the various levels of licenses and permission to set up, costs and labour regulations.
So the country focused on providing tax holidays to compensate for this and endured substantial fiscal losses as a result. Furthermore, FDI hasn’t been visible in export oriented industries.
Though Sri Lanka isn’t going to be a low-cost niche manufacturing centre or service destination, the reform of regulations on labour, land and capital will convert investor interest into reality.
December 30, Colombo (LNW): The Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development has highlighted the severe impact of Sri Lanka’s ongoing economic crisis on children’s education, based on findings from the ‘Household Survey on the Impact of the Economic Crisis – 2023’, conducted by the Department of Census and Statistics.
According to the survey, over half of the schoolchildren in the country, approximately 55 per cent, have been affected by the economic downturn, with those living in rural and estate areas facing the most significant challenges.
The survey further revealed that a substantial proportion of affected families are struggling to provide essential educational materials for their children. Specifically, 53.2 per cent of children have either significantly reduced or entirely ceased purchasing school stationery.
Additionally, 26.1 per cent of students have been forced to reuse old stationery due to financial constraints, highlighting the hardships faced by many families.
In response to these findings, the government has announced a new initiative aimed at alleviating some of the pressures on vulnerable schoolchildren.
Starting from the beginning of the 2025 school year, an allowance will be provided to help cover the cost of essential school supplies, including stationery.
This move is part of a broader effort to ensure that children from financially struggling families can continue their education without interruption.
To begin with, the government has already allocated a Rs. 6,000 allowance per child for those from families receiving benefits under the ‘Aswesuma’ social welfare programme.
This allowance is set to be disbursed through ‘Aswesuma’ bank accounts by 27 December 2024, ensuring that the most vulnerable families can access the support without delay.
Looking ahead, the Ministry of Finance has assured that it will make the necessary budgetary provisions in 2025 to expand this initiative to other eligible schoolchildren, particularly those who are not currently part of the ‘Aswesuma’ programme.
The plan is to establish a clear and effective mechanism to deliver the Rs. 6,000 allowance per child, enabling more families to provide their children with the essential tools they need for their education.
December 30, World (LNW): Elon Musk, the billionaire entrepreneur known for his ambitious ventures in space exploration and electric vehicles, has once again stirred controversy with remarks that have drawn sharp criticism from both political leaders and the public.
Musk, who has recently aligned himself with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump and become a vocal supporter of various right-wing ideologies, has made an extraordinary statement regarding the Alternative for Germany (AfD), a nationalist political party.
In a statement made with Welt am Sonntag, Musk defended the AfD and its co-chair, Alice Weidel, claiming that the party is “not as far-right as people might think.”
His justification for this bold assertion is nothing short of remarkable: Musk pointed out that Weidel, who is living with her “same-sex Sri Lankan partner”, could not possibly fit the stereotype of a far-right politician.
In a manner that many have described as both insensitive and reckless, Musk questioned if this fact, in his view, should remind people of Hitler’s regime.
Weidel, perhaps emboldened by Musk’s comments, quickly reposted his message on her official social media platform, adding fuel to the flames of the already controversial conversation.
.@elonmusk: „Die traditionellen Parteien haben in Deutschland versagt. Ihre Politik hat zu wirtschaftlicher Stagnation, sozialen Unruhen und einer Aushöhlung der nationalen Identität geführt. Die #AfD vertritt einen politischen Realismus.“ https://t.co/iGYeqyiT5Wpic.twitter.com/lCiw9pvwRe
Musk’s remarks have ignited a firestorm, with critics accusing him of trivialising the dangerous legacy of far-right ideologies and undermining the gravity of historical events.
Racism, as many are pointing out, can take many forms – from casual dismissals of cultural identity to the abhorrent racism that leads to violence and discrimination. Musk’s comments, which seemed to mock Germany’s troubled past, were seen by many as an irresponsible attempt to downplay the significance of far-right movements.
By comparing personal details of Weidel’s life with the atrocities committed under Nazi rule, Musk’s statement is seen by many as both distasteful and harmful.
Whilst Musk’s comments regarding the AfD may seem like an odd diversion, his tendency to speak without consideration for the broader implications of his words has been a long-standing pattern.
Much like Trump, Musk has championed a warped version of free speech, where the consequences of hurtful remarks are dismissed in favour of provocation and attention.
However, the implications of his statements extend far beyond the realms of social media banter – they risk deepening political divisions and tarnishing international relations.
Notably, Weidel and the AfD have consistently opposed green energy policies championed by former German Chancellor Angela Merkel and have been vocal proponents of nuclear power. This is a far cry from Musk’s usual stance on environmental issues, which makes his support for the party even more perplexing.
To further compound the irony, Musk has often been a critic of protectionist policies, such as those advocated by Donald Trump, and yet he appears to align himself with a party that espouses nationalist, anti-globalist views.
Musk’s comments have drawn sharp rebuke from a variety of quarters. Germany’s Green Party, for instance, has labelled the AfD as a “group of traitors founded by billionaires and subjugated to Russia’s Vladimir Putin,” and many have questioned why Musk, a man who has amassed his wealth through global ventures, would throw his support behind such a party.
The rhetoric surrounding Musk’s comments is particularly concerning, as his influence and platform are vast, making his remarks potentially dangerous, especially when they involve divisive political movements.
The controversy has not gone unnoticed in the media either. In fact, it was reported that the opinion editor of Welt am Sonntag, a prominent German newspaper, resigned after the publication of Musk’s comments.
This signals the deep unease Musk’s statements have caused across international lines, as his words seem to disregard the delicate nature of diplomatic relations.
One of the most egregious elements of Musk’s comments is his treatment of Weidel’s sexual orientation as a token of justification for her political views. Musk’s record on LGBTQIA+ issues is highly contentious. Despite his public persona as an advocate for freedom and innovation, he has faced accusations of being indifferent, if not hostile, towards the transgender and non-binary communities.
His public estrangement from his transgender daughter has only added to his reputation as a figure whose actions often contradict his words.
To make matters worse, Musk referred to Weidel’s partner, who is a Swiss citizen, as a “Sri Lankan woman” in a manner that echoed the xenophobic tones of Trump’s immigration policies. Musk’s casual misrepresentation of Weidel’s partner, coupled with his reckless invocation of the word “Hitler,” has led many to question the integrity of his political statements.
At a time when global tensions are high, Musk’s public support for a party like the AfD, which advocates policies opposed to free trade and progressive environmental goals, raises significant concerns about his influence on global political discourse.
For a figure who has positioned himself as a progressive force in technology and sustainability, his endorsement of far-right ideologies and questionable leaders is deeply troubling.
As this saga unfolds, it becomes increasingly clear that Musk’s words carry consequences, not just for him but for the broader political landscape. His influence cannot be underestimated, and with figures like Trump already endorsing his rhetoric, the risks of his unchecked statements could reverberate far beyond social media platforms.
The government of the United States, should it wish to maintain any semblance of diplomatic decorum, would do well to address the ramifications of Musk’s actions, especially as he continues to align himself with polarising figures and dangerous political ideologies.
