Sri Lanka, Jan. 17 -- Sri Lanka's economy, currently recovering from the impact of Cyclone Ditwah, needs to grow at 10%-11% between 2026 and 2030, with a minimum of 7%-8% growth over the next five years, according to Professor Sirimal Abeyratne of the University of Colombo.

The economist emphasised that export-led growth is the only way for the island nation to achieve these targets and eventually service its debt from 2028 onwards.

"We should understand that when we talk about 5% growth, there are two sides to it. One is recovery-led economic growth. When our assets are being destroyed by the cyclone, and we then try to restore them, that effort contributes to economic growth. So, part of the growth-when we say 5%-may come from the re...