Sunday Times 2
Holistic and inclusive path to development – Book Review
View(s):By Dr Minna Thaheer
Yhe idea of discussing a book by an economist acknowledged as a masterly scholar and practitioner by his peers is quite unnerving for a non-economist. Hearing Dr Nimal Sanderatne’s book praised by other distinguished economists associated with the Gamani Corea Foundation—an institution founded by the legendary economist and statesman Dr Gamani Corea to promote research into economic development—makes me feel perhaps inadequate for the task.
Yet, the appealing promise of the title of the book, Development: Not by Economics Alone, Non-Economic Factors in Development, was a reassuring invitation. The subtitle on the cover ‘Non-Economic Factors in Development”, provocatively tempts the non-economist to wade into Dr Sanderatne’s book, reminding us non-economists of the famous line of O’Henry in “The Gift of the Magi”—“We can’t buy one minute of time with cash; if we could, rich people would live longer.”
Dr Nimal Sanderatne’s book on ‘Development: Not by Economics Alone‚ Non-Economic Factors in Development’ was launched on January 9, 2026, at the Gamani Corea Foundation.
It is a provocative study exploring development not only through the lens of ‘economy’ measured in terms of GDP growth but also focusing on the significance of human capital, the role of university education, cultural values, health and human development, evolving paradigms, and structural prejudices in the social sciences. He argues that factors—historical, institutional, political, cultural, sociological, and psychological—inherently, if not intrinsically, hinder or facilitate the process of development.
Dr Godfrey Gunatilleke’s foreword to the book distils the essence of the book: “Sanderatne is writing the book as an economist, keeping in mind the proclivity in his own discipline to give primacy to the economic component when dealing with development. He therefore has taken pains to correct this bias. He does this with a fine scholarly restraint without any undue derogation of the economic factor. What he seeks to emphasise throughout the book is that each of the different components of development, economic and non-economic, has an autonomous existence and possesses its own independent value, contributing to the total wellbeing of the individual.”
Dr Sanderatne notes that rapid economic growth is not guaranteed. It hinges on supportive cultural and non-economic factors beyond the purely economic sphere. The civil conflict of the last three decades serves as a case in point, showing how the country endured debilitating economic development. The war absorbed vast funds and undermined the climate for investment, tourism, and the hi-tech sector. The return to peaceful conditions in 2009 enabled a more productive utilisation of the country’s resources. His strong message here is unequivocal: “Peaceful conditions contribute to growth in several ways… Societal and attitudinal changes are fundamental to economic development. The excessive politicisation of society and its divisive character are detrimental to economic growth and have to be addressed.”
Dr Sanderatne is disarmingly dismissive of “fashionable ideas” and “fashionable thoughts”, which he notes are “churned out in key places in important and leading academic institutions, and by powerful multinational institutions and donor agencies. No doubt developed by very clever scholarly minds.” He warns social scientists of the perils of blind adoption of these so-called foreign “fashionable ideas” and “fashionable theories”, warning against uncritical co-option in local settings. He highlights how the balance between local cultural conditions and foreign paradigms from the “intellectual and financial capitals of the world” can be destabilising when proposals are adopted without critical appraisal of their relevance. He writes: “The premises of these invasive theories should be carefully examined to determine their relevance to the contexts in which they are applied.” He is equally contemptuous of insular or closed minds oblivious to the realities of the global economy. He asserts the need for informed adoption of ideas and says that it is imprudent for some social scientists to “reject modern ideas largely owing to doctrinal prejudices” and “ideological and doctrinaire persuasions.” The notion of “fashionable ideas and theories” in this milieu is not only befuddling but also inapt as a guide for evaluating contemporary development priorities.
Dr Sanderatne raises a Kantian concern in the study. Are economists concerned with social justice? He reinforces the nexus between economics and economic justice, illuminating the debate over whether economics is inherently aligned with social justice or at odds with it. That economics is not merely about “maximising output from scarce resources”; it is also about “just and equitable income distribution and related social justice” is what he attempts to convey in this chapter.
Dr Sanderatne deals with the dilemma of development and food on the table for every citizen. Rising income disparities alongside reductions in poverty and increasing inequality that Amartya Sen terms “the tolerance of the intolerable”. As espoused by renowned economists Dudley Seers, Paul Streeten, Amartya Sen, Mahbub ul Haq et al., Dr Sanderatne brings to light the heterogeneity of thoughts on economic justice and distributive concerns of economic growth.
He surveys the broad challenges facing universities, including a culture of fear, episodes of violence, and the difficulty of meeting the nation’s expectations for pursuing knowledge for its own sake; capturing the multidisciplinary character of knowledge within university education, which enables a network of freely interacting, learned individuals to exercise agency.
The author observes that government-led good governance supported by a solid legal framework, effective safeguards, a robust rule of law, secure property rights, and a culture of ethical work practices is necessary to create an environment that enables sustainable economic growth.
Eloquently crafted, it is a thought-provoking attempt for economists and non-economists to learn about what economics and development are all about. It removes the mystery of the science of economics and makes us rethink what meaningful sustainable development should be to both the professional economist and the informed citizen.
As a researcher engaged in development and social empowerment, I would suggest that Dr Sanderatne’s book merits, if not warrants, a sequel. He appraises the experiences of China and India, the two dominant economic giants in our age. A sequel that shows how Sri Lanka can carve a strategic niche by learning from both India and China and by addressing the lacunae in development projects is a current imperative for those interested in Sri Lanka’s development strategies.
The book is a salutary exploration of new paths for a collective and coherent understanding of our priorities. Clearly the conventional policy responses have been inadequate. There is a growing demand for fresh perspectives that can help seek a more critical and pluralist understanding of the economy. Dr Sanderatne, as such, offers learned, patient propositions that supply new answers to old questions.
(The writer is an independent development consultant.)