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Ratings: ★★★★☆ (4.6/5)
Genre: Economics / Development Studies / Sri Lankan Studies / Political Economy / Non-fiction

Book Review:
Saman Kelegama's ''Development Under Stress'' is an indispensable work for anyone seeking to understand the complex and often frustrating trajectory of Sri Lanka's economic development. Written by one of the country's foremost economists, this book provides a clear, rigorous, and deeply insightful analysis of the decades since the landmark liberalization of 1977.

The book poses a central, compelling question: Why has Sri Lanka, a nation with strong human development indicators and an early start in economic reforms, failed to achieve the rapid and sustained growth seen in East Asian economies like South Korea and Malaysia? Kelegama's answer is nuanced and multi-faceted. He acknowledges the devastating impact of the long-running civil conflict, but he goes much deeper, identifying a range of structural, political, and policy-related factors that have acted as persistent brakes on progress.

The book is organized thematically, covering the evolution of economic policy, macroeconomic management, sectoral performance (agriculture, industry, services), and the persistent challenges of employment and poverty. Kelegama writes with the authority of a scholar deeply immersed in the data and the policy debates, but he also maintains a clear and accessible style, making the book valuable for both specialists and general readers.

What makes this work particularly valuable is its long-term perspective. By tracing the economic narrative from independence through the liberalization era and into the early 2000s, Kelegama shows how deeply embedded structures and recurring patterns have shaped outcomes. He is not afraid to critique policy failures and missed opportunities, offering a balanced and honest assessment of the country's economic journey.

As the Executive Director of the Institute of Policy Studies, Kelegama was at the center of many of the debates he describes, and this book reflects his deep engagement with the practical challenges of policymaking. ''Development Under Stress'' is a must-read for students of Sri Lankan economy, development economists, policy makers, and anyone interested in the difficult but crucial task of building a prosperous and equitable nation. It is a fitting tribute to a brilliant economist whose untimely death was a great loss to the country. Highly recommended.