Sri Lanka Economic Association to hold 33rd Anniversary Annual Sessions on 18-19 January

The Sri Lanka Economic Association (SLEA), the premier Association of economists in the country, incorporated by an Act of Parliament and a member of the International Economic Association is holding its Annual Sessions on 18-19 January at the Centre for Banking Studies Auditorium, Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL), Rajagiriya.

The theme of the Sessions is “Impact of Globalisation on Sri Lankan Economy: Challenges and Opportunities”.

President Maithripala Sirisena will be the Chief Guest at the Inauguration and Central Bank Governor Dr. Indrajit Coomaraswamy will be the Guest of Honour.

The keynote address will be delivered by World Bank Country Director Dr. Idah Z. Pswarayi-Riddihough.

It is intended to provide a platform for those interested in reshaping the future economic policy of Sri Lanka to face the rising global challenges effectively.

Policy makers, academics, economic researchers, public officials and the private sector are invited to participate at this event by prior registration.

Distinguished personalities who have contributed towards the development of the economy in various sectors will be the resource personnel sharing their valuable experience and knowledge at these sessions.

The inauguration will be held on 18 January at 4 pm. followed by a reception.

Technical sessions encompass key components of the theme and will be held on 19 January from 8.00 a.m. – 5.30 p.m.

The main five sessions scheduled are Setting the Stage, Services Sector and Trade Agreements, Human Capital, Financial Sector and Good Governance & Developments. These sessions will be addressed by eminent experts in the relevant sectors.

Setting the Stage comprises the topics ‘Towards a full employment production economy’ and ‘Trade liberalisation in Sri Lanka –Then and Now’ which gives impetus to the remaining sessions. Session II on Services Sector and Trade Agreements presents ‘Performance of the Services Sector’, ‘Services Sector and Regional Cooperation’ together with ‘Migration as an Economic Stimulant: Achievements and Challenges’.  

Session III on Human Capital includes ‘Trends in Population in Sri Lanka’, ‘Reforming Education to optimise the benefits of Globalisation’, ‘Poverty, Nutrition and Inequality’ and ‘Human Capital: Private Sector Perspective’.

Session IV on Financial Sector comprises ‘Sri Lanka’s increasing Integration with the Global Economy: Challenges and Opportunities’ and ‘Financial Sector in Sri Lanka in 2025’.

Session V concentrates on Good Governance and Development with the topics ‘Economy and Technology’ and ‘Future Prospects for Sri Lanka’.

The above Technical Sessions will be concluded with an Open Session, introduced this year as a novel feature to provide an opportunity for young economists to present their latest research findings on the theme. The best research paper will be awarded the Prof. A.D.V.de S. Indraratna Gold Medal Proceedings of the Annual Sessions will be of immense importance and timely relevance in the interests of policy makers as well as the economists, administrators, academics and the general public in the context of explicit aspirations and the concerted efforts in achieving the sustained high growth laid down in the economic agenda of the Government.

Policy makers, academics, economic researchers, public officials and the private sector are invited to participate at this event.

Further information and registration details can be obtained from the Administrative Officer (tel/fax 0112559478, email:[email protected]) or website: www.slea.lk   or may visit SLEA Office, No.275/5, Prof. Stanley Wijesundara Mawatha, Colombo 7.