The Sri Lanka Economic Association (SLEA) is a volunteer association, which was set up in the year 1985 and incorporated in 2011 by Act of Parliament.

The Vision

Strive to be the independent economic think-tank of Sri Lanka.

The Mission

‘To be a center of excellence in economic policy discourse by facilitating objective discussions on economic issues to assist in the formulation of effective policies for the wellbeing of the people.’

Objectives

The main objectives of the SLEA are as follows:

1. To undertake, promote and facilitate studies in the field of economics.
2. To plan and organize teaching and training programmes in this field.
3. To prepare and submit reports on issues relating to economic and social development.
4. To assist in the formulation of effective socio economic policies.
5. To promote understanding, co-operation and friendship with similar associations within and outside Sri Lanka.

Performance

1. In pursuance of these objectives we organize public seminars and Annual Sessions where subjects of interest (on economics and related subjects) to the policy makers, the corporate sector and the general public are discussed and debated.
2. We also publish a yearly publication containing the proceeds of the Annual Sessions, besides a bimonthly journal.
3. An Award Scheme to encourage researchers has also been prepared.
4. The SLEA also has prepared a number of papers for the Organization of Professional Associations (OPA) for submission of recommendations on national issues, such as on increasing investment and welfare measure for 60+ elders, to the government and for creation of public awareness on economic development.
5. One of our reports, “The Impact of Corruption on Poverty and Economic Growth”, dealt with good governance and ways and means of achieving it particularly elimination of corruption.  We believe that if governance improves on account of such efforts and corruption decreases, the corporate sector in the country will benefit enormously, while private investments including foreign direct investments would rise significantly.
6. Besides these activities our membership of over 400 includes many public officials responsible for policies and implementation programmes of the government.  The number of our members in the private sector is also quite large.  We can therefore conclude that the influence the SLEA has on the course of economic development in the country is significant.

The SLEA Council has set up committees to deal with specific areas of work. please refer committee section.