Sri Lanka Economic Association
Annual Sessions 2021, 12th & 13th November 2021
Theme-Sri Lanka’s Economic Recovery Strategy
Sri Lanka’s Economic Recovery Strategies 2021
In keeping with its long-standing tradition of holding annual sessions on contemporary and crucial economic issues, the Sri Lanka Economic Association (SLEA) will hold this year’s Annual Sessions on the theme, “Recovery of the Pandemic-affected Economy”. Sri Lanka faces multiple challenges in fostering economic growth and stability amidst the pandemic. The economic growth which has recorded a continued decline since 2015 further slowed down owing to the effects of pandemic. Meanwhile, economic instability caused by the expansion of the fiscal and the external imbalances further intensified by the debt burden is a matter of grave concern. Several other Asian countries including India and Bangladesh have been able to revive from the pandemic-led economic difficulties by implementing counter-cyclical policies. It is in this background that the SLEA Annual Sessions are being held with an emphasis to consider the potential policy options to overcome the country’s economic problems.
SLEA aims to draw attention of the economists, policy makers, entrepreneurs and the general public on the vital necessity towards reviving the sectors that are on standstill at the moment. The need of the hour is urgent policy framework to recover the pre-pandemic setting in the short run. It could thereafter implement medium term strategies to increase productivity through innovation, commercialization and diversification of the economy as an active partner of the global economy by adopting sound macro-economic policies.
Objectives of the Technical Sessions
The Technical Sessions of this year will consist of four segments under the sub-themes – the overall economy, external sector, real sector, and services sectors. These sessions will provide a wider platform for policymakers, public officials, private sector entrepreneurs, economists, and academics to discuss and formulate future policy options for the recovery of the Sri Lankan economy.
Inaugural Session-12th November 2021
17.00 - 17.05 Welcome Address Dr. Upananda Vidanapathirana - President, Sri Lanka Economic Association
17.05 - 17.25 Keynote Address Professor Howard Nicholas - Erasmus University, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
17.25 - 17.45 Presidential Address Dr. Upananda Vidanapathirana - President, Sri Lanka Economic Association
17.45 - 18.05 Address by the Guest of Honour Mr. Krishan Balendra - Chairman, John Keells Holdings PLC
18.05 - 18.25 Address by the Chief Guest Deshamanya Professor W. D. Lakshman - Emeritus Professor at University of Colombo
Former Vice Chancellor, University of Colombo Former Governor, Central Bank of Sri Lanka
18.25 – 18.35 Vote of Thanks Dr. Maringa Sumanadasa - General Secretary, Sri Lanka Economic Association
Technical Sessions - 13th November 2021
Session I- Macroeconomic Environment
Chairman: Dr. Lloyd Fernando Session I- Macroeconomic Environment
Speakers:
v Fine tuning of Monetary Policy: The case of Sri Lanka Dr. Chandranath Amarasekara
v Sustainable Fiscal Policy Prof. Sirimal Abeyratne
v Structural Reforms for Inclusive Growth: Can Sri Lanka Deliver? Dr. Dushni Weerakoon
Discussant: Prof. Sirimevan Colombage
Session II – External Sector
Chairman: Deshamanya Mahesh Amalean
Speakers:
v On the Proper Path to Export Promotion in Sri Lanka Dr. Sarath Rajapatirana Dr. Dayaratna Silva
v Promoting Foreign Direct Investments in Sri Lanka Prof. Anoma Abhayaratne
v Causes and Consequences of Foreign Financial Flows: Historical Perspective from Sri Lanka Dr. P.K.G. Harischandra
v Post Covid-19 Challenges and Opportunities of Inward Remittances to Sri Lanka Prof. H.D. Karunaratne
Discussant: Prof. O. G. Dayaratna
Session III – Reviving Production Sectors
Chairman: Prof. Danny Atapattu
Speakers:
v Reimagining Manufacturing – Sri Lanka needs a New Normal Prof. Ajith de Alwis
v Energizing Plantations Dr. Roshan Rajadurai
v Modernization of Domestic Agriculture Dr. Wasanthi Wickramasinghe
Discussants: Prof. Sunil Chandrasiri & Dr. Anura Ekanayake
Session IV- Resuscitation of Services
Chairman: Mr. Chandrasena Maliyadde
Speakers:
v Streamlining Banking & Financial services Mr. Lakshman Silva
v Reactivating Tourism Industry Prof. Suranga Silva
v Rational Development of Renewable Energy: Technical and Commercial Reality Dr. Tilak Siyambalapitiya
Discussants: Dr. W.M. Hemachandra & Dr. Malraj Kiriella