SLEA launches annual journal and sessions publication

Tuesday, 23 September 2014 01:40 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

By Waruni Paranagamage The Sri Lanka Economic Association (SLEA) last week launched its annual journal for 2014 and a publication on its 2013 annual sessions titled ‘The Way Forward for Sustained Growth’, at the University of Colombo’s Department of Economics. The event also featured reviews of the two publications by Dr. Saman Kelegama and Prof. Sirimal Abeyrathne.

The SLEA journal is divided into five chapters each written by different authors. Various topics such as economic growth and development, taxation and the role of indirect taxation, inflation, female poverty and volatility are topics covered in the journal. Speaking about the journal, Prof. Sirimal Aberathne said that in its first chapter, A.D.V de S. Indraratne addresses the significance of developing HR and technology. Abeyrathne said: “The paper, to my knowledge, should be taken as the point of departure for a wider debate and discussion on the issue which has not yet emerged in the Sri Lankan context.” Declaring his ideas on other chapters, Abeyrathne said that the material is described logically with the support of survey data. The SLEA 2013 annual session publication is written by A. D. V De S. Indraratna, Sarath Vidanagama and Anushka Wijesinha. The book discusses vital topics such as the domestic consumption-oriented market, the China growth experience, the Government’s budget allocations, public debt and economic growth and balance of payment. Dr. Saman Kelegama in his review expressed that the book gives a very good overall picture on the various areas of the economy and how to promote sustainability. Kelegama further said that the majority of the papers basically argued that the country must make a shift from debt finance consumption and investment-led growth strategy to more direct foreign investment attracting export-led consumption and investment debt growth strategy. SLEA is a volunteer association, which was set up in the year 1985 and incorporated in 2011 by an Act of Parliament. It undertakes, promotes and facilitates studies in the field economics, plans and organises teaching and training programs and prepares and submits reports on issues relating to economic and social development. The association also assists in the formulation of effective socio-economic policies and promotes understanding, co-operation and friendship with similar associations within and outside Sri Lanka. Pix by-Shehan Gunasekara