COVID-19 ECONOMIC STORM IN SRI LANKA’S REAL SECTOR: A SYNOPTIC ANALYSIS FOCUSING ON POTENTIAL POLICY REFORMS

Abstract

This study examines Sri Lanka’s economic situation to recognize the potential policy reforms to revive country’s real sector in Post COVID-19 era. This study collected primary data through qualitative data collection approach named semi-structured interviews. Total sample size considered for interviews was 12.  In addition to that, the information presented and reviewed in this study was taken from several updated secondary sources. Qualitative data was analyzed through reflexive thematic analysis approach which was introduced by Virginia Braun and Victoria Clarke. Thematic analysis of this qualitative study found several major themes as the policy reforms to rebuild agricultural sector, industrial sector and service sector in the post-COVID era. Centralized Backward & Forward Information Linkage System, Creation of Local Cultivation Trends and Import Substitution, Agro Innovations in Post COVID-19 Period, Cost Minimization Techniques, Expanding Systematic Warehouse Facilities as a Solution for Over-Production, Re-Lifting the Construction Sector after COVID-19 Disruption, Making Case for Cities as the Major Hubs of Economic Growth, Attracting Foreign Direct Investments, Developing a Technical Strategy for Sri Lankan Rail Transportation, Expansion of Digital Retail Activities, Bridging the Digital Divide, Cultivating Innovative Educational Culture in Higher Education Sector, Extra Focus on Mental Health, Community Nursing Service System can be cited as those policy reforms.   Keywords: Post-COVID Era, Real Sector, Thematic Analysis, Sri Lanka