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Kate Adie introduces insight, wit and analysis from BBC correspondents and writers.

Kate Adie introduces insight, wit and analysis from BBC correspondents, journalists and writers telling stories from around the world.

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From Our Own Correspondent: Sri Lanka on the edge

09/07/2022

Sri Lanka on the edge

BBC Radio 4 - From Our Own Correspondent, Sri Lanka on the edge

Sri Lanka's economic crisis deepens as people face skyrocketing prices.

Stories from Sri Lanka, the US, Syria, Algeria and France.

Sri Lanka is facing its worst economic crisis since independence, with inflation soaring to the highest rate in Asia. The country’s energy minister warned at the weekend that the country would soon run out of fuel as long queues formed at petrol stations, with many staying for days at a time. President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has even sought help from Russia to help import fuel. Rajini Vaidyanathan has been in Colombo speaking to those most affected.

Will Grant reflects on dual tragedies in Texas: the shooting in a primary school in Uvalde in Texas and 53 migrant deaths in a people-smuggling operation.   In both these horrific events, the correspondent heard stories of thwarted hopes – and life ambitions cut short.

In Syria, cities like Damascus and Palmyra were once heralded for their history and architectural grandeur but much of their cultural heritage has been destroyed during the years of civil war. Nick Redmayne travelled to Palmyra on a guided tour, one of a few businesses trying to revive their fortunes despite an ongoing economic crisis.

In Algeria, we hear how people are working to restore the land that was burned in wildfires last year, in the country's northeast. Tens of thousands of hectares were destroyed in flames and much of the natural landscape has morphed into charred remains. Amy Liptrot visited a project which is involved in restoring some of the land destroyed by the fires.

And finally, we hear about one French farmer who has come up with a cunning plan to help generate a new source of revenue at his family-run farm: it's a cabaret show with a difference, far away from the Folies Bergère. Chris Bockman paid it a visit.

Presenter: Kate Adie
Producer: Serena Tarling
Editor: Emma Rippon
Production Coordinator: Gemma Ashman

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