As the 2024 Presidential election approaches, ‘At HydePark with Indeewari Amuwatte' featured Dr. Ahilan Kadirgamar, Senior Lecturer from the University of Jaffna and a renowned expert on Sri Lanka's political economy, to explore the critical economic policies Sri Lanka must adopt to navigate the country’s worst economic crisis since independence. Dr. Kadirgamar discusses the root causes of the crisis, examining both domestic policy failures and the broader global economic conditions that have contributed to the current situation. He critiques the economic strategies of successive Sri Lankan governments and highlights the potential pitfalls of continuing down the same path without significant reforms. The conversation also touches on the controversial agreements with the IMF, questioning whether the conditions imposed are in the best interest of the Sri Lankan people. Dr. Kadirgamar advocates for a renegotiation of these agreements to ensure that the focus is on self-sufficiency and reducing social suffering, rather than austerity measures that could further cripple the economy. Looking to the future, Dr. Kadirgamar emphasizes the importance of prioritising health, education, and food security in the recovery process. He argued for a comprehensive restructuring of Sri Lanka's debt, warning against the risks of repeated defaults and stressing the need for policies that ensure long-term stability and growth.