CEPA strengthens leadership with 3 new key appointments

Friday, 28 February 2025 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Centre for Poverty Analysis (CEPA) has announced the appointment of Dr. Indrajit Coomaraswamy alongside Dr. Herath Gunatilake and Dr. Ganeshan Wignaraja as Senior Advisors. These appointments bring a wealth of expertise to CEPA, reinforcing its commitment to evidence-based policy research and sustainable development in Sri Lanka.

Dr. Coomaraswamy, a highly respected economist and former Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (2016–2019), brings decades of experience in economic policy, both locally and internationally. His career spans key roles at the Central Bank and the Commonwealth Secretariat, with a strong focus on economic development. He holds a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Cambridge and a PhD in Economics from the University of Sussex.

Dr. Gunatilake, an expert in environmental and energy economics, previously served as CEPA’s Executive Director and held senior positions at the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the University of Peradeniya. He holds a PhD in Resource Economics from the University of Hawaii.

Dr. Wignaraja, a leading authority on trade, development, and regional integration, has over 30 years of experience in global economic policy. He has held senior positions at ADB, the Overseas Development Institute (ODI), and the Commonwealth Secretariat, and is currently a Professorial Fellow at Gateway House. He holds a D.Phil in Economics from Oxford.

Welcoming the new leadership, CEPA Executive Director Dr. Sirimal Abeyratne, stated:

“CEPA has a vital role to play in shaping Sri Lanka’s economic and development policies through rigorous research and analysis. The expertise of Dr. Coomaraswamy, Dr. Gunatilake, and Dr. Wignaraja will be invaluable in strengthening CEPA’s impact and guiding evidence-based solutions for national and regional challenges.”

With this strengthened leadership, CEPA is well-positioned to drive impactful policy research and contribute to Sri Lanka’s economic and social development.