ANNUAL SESSIONS 2017
27-28 October 2017 at Auditorium of the Center for Banking Studies, Rajagiriya, Sri Lanka
Theme- Modernization of Agriculture and Industry: Challenges for Sri Lanka
It has been customary for Sri Lanka Economic Association (SLEA) to conduct its Annual Sessions on a theme that is of critical relevance to socio-economic development of the contemporary times of the country. SLEA believes that adequate attention has not been paid to the realization of potential of the real sector of the economy- viz agriculture and industry for country’s economic development. With a sound base for diversified agriculture sector, Sri Lanka need to increase productivity through commercialization of agriculture thereby creating more avenues for value added industrial products for export. Accordingly SLEA has selected Modernization of Agriculture and Industry: Challenges for Sri Lanka as the theme of this year’s Annual Sessions.
Objectives of the Seminar
SLEA will provide at this Annual Sessions a wider forum for policy makers, public officials, academics and economic researchers of both public and private sectors to debate, discuss and analyze issues and challenges related to factors affecting the growth and development of the real sector of the economy of Sri Lanka. Towards this end, there will be four technical sessions under the following sub-themes.
Modernization of Agriculture and Industry: Challenges for Sri Lanka
Session: I- Agriculture Sector: Issues and Challenges
- Present Status of agricultural sector in Sri Lanka - Prof. Buddhi Marambe
- Food Security and institutional issues in agriculture - Dr. Manoj Thibbotuwewa
Session: II- Commercialization of Agriculture /Agri-business
- Commercialization of Agriculture/Agri- Business - Mr. Rizvi Zaheed
- Improving agricultural productivity, Land fragmentation and consolidation, Supply chains and Value Addition – Prof. Jeevika Weerahewa
- Competitiveness and Comparative Advantage of non-traditional Agricultural Exports – Mr. Malraj Kiriella
Session: III- Industrial evolution and composition
- Current status of Industry: Problems and Challenges- Dr. Chandranath Amarasekara
- Productivity barriers to elevating Sri Lankan industry - Prof. Sunil Chandrasiri
Session: IV- Industrial restructuring to meet global challenges
- Global production networks and export expansion; Emerging opportunities and the Sri Lankan experience -Prof. Premachandra Atukorala
- Technological upgrading and re-structuring - Prof. Ajith de Alwis
- The Role of Sri Lankan SMEs in industrial growth -Prof. S.P.Premaratna