Open forum on ‘Poverty in Sri Lanka: Strengthening Current Strategies’

An open forum titled ‘Poverty in Sri Lanka: Strengthening Current Strategies’ will be held today, 6 December, from 5 to 7:30 p.m at the Hotel Taj Samudra, Crystal Lower Room.

The Open Forum will provide a platform to discuss the following questions:

=To what extent are current poverty reduction policies and strategies effective?

=What may be the reasons for less effectiveness, and are these due to problems in design of the programme, in the availability of resources or due to lapses in implementation?

=What additional measures/programmes can be proposed to have an effective poverty-reduction strategy?

The Open Forum is an opportunity for academics, economists, policy makers, practitioners and concerned citizens to conduct a free and open debate about issues of common concern and public interest.

The Welcome Address and Introduction to the Open Forum will be by Bettina Meier, Resident Representative, Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung, Colombo, followed by remarks by Facilitator Prof. A. D. V. de S. Indraratna, President of the Sri Lanka Economic Association.

This will be followed by input by presenters Consultant Dr. Ramani Gunatilaka; Director General, National Planning Department, Ministry of Finance and Planning Dr. B. M. S. Batagoda; and Consultant, Ministry of Higher Education and Former Secretary, Ministry of Trade Dr. R. M. K Ratnayake.

The Panel Discussion will be facilitated by Prof. Indraratna, followed by an Open Discussion and Refreshments.

Contact Gayathri or Chaminda on 0112502710/1.