Macroeconomic policies, crises, and growth in Sri Lanka, 1969-90 /

This volume is one study in a World Bank series on the macroeconomic policies of developing nations. If the quality of this current work on Sri Lanka is any indication, the complete series will be a valuable addition to any library. The title, which suggests a narrowly focused study intended for specialists, does not convey adequately the breadth or depth of the book. The authors should be congratulated for recognizing that macroeconomic policy does not occur in a political and social vacuum. This well-written book contains an introduction to the political, economic, and social history of Sri Lanka as well as the macroeconomic analysis suggested by the title. Discussion of the econometric model, included to achieve scientific respectability among economists, has been thoughtfully confined to a single chapter and the appendixes. Numerous tables--ranging from the ethnic composition of the population to various economic indicators--will be useful to the specialist and general reader alike. The bibliography, while not meant to be comprehensive, provides a good starting place for further research. Highly recommended. General; lower-division undergraduate through professional. J. T. Peach; New Mexico State University