“If you can capture the humanity of a family struggling in an economic crisis you can make a difference. You can raise awareness just of the simple humanity.” Emily Blunt
No county can survive and thrive in isolation. The world is built on economic and political relationships between countries, providing a link to one another. In this context, this research provides insight into the perception and thoughts of people about obtaining financial aid from other countries. The study outlines the determinants of foreign aid and its relationship with Sri Lanka’s perception towards it. Additionally, the research provides an analytical deep dive into the core perceptions developed by Sri Lanka regarding foreign aid, the most likely country to assist, and the main economic sector that needs to be developed to achieve success.
The study utilizes data analysis to provide basic information about the sample and statistically analyzes the variables. Correlation analysis and chi-square tests were conducted to determine the relationship between the dependent variable (Sri Lankan’s perception) and the independent variable (foreign aid).
The survey results indicate that a significant majority of Sri Lankan respondents believe foreign countries are responsible for the economic crisis in the country. China is identified as the main contributor to the crisis, and India is identified as the country that provides the most foreign aid. Furthermore, most of the respondents expressed confidence in the ability of foreign countries to aid Sri Lanka in moving away from the economic crisis. The majority of respondents suggested that India is the country Sri Lanka should collaborate with to overcome the crisis. The study’s sample population consisted of individuals aged 35-45, educated and employed in the private sector, who believe that developing Sri Lanka’s tourism industry is crucial for moving away from the economic crisis.
The results of the hypothesis testing provide evidence to support the notion that culpability, assistance, cooperation, and trust all play a crucial role in shaping how Sri Lankans perceive the situation. Overall, the survey results suggest that there is a general consensus among respondents on the importance of international collaboration in finding a solution to Sri Lanka’s economic challenges. The study provides valuable insights into the opinions of Sri Lankan citizens regarding the economic crisis and the role of foreign countries in providing assistance.
(This research was initiated and organized by the South South Research initiative. Key contributions were received from experts who has extensive knowledge of social, economics and geopolitics.)
READ FULL REPORT: Unveiling Sri Lanka’s Perception on Foreign Aid: A Closer Look
