CEPA welcomes Dr. Sirimal Abeyratne as new Executive Director

Friday, 17 January 2025 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

CEPA Executive Director Dr. Sirimal Abeyratne

The Centre for Poverty Analysis (CEPA) has announced the appointment of Dr. Sirimal Abeyratne as its Executive Director, effective 1 February. A distinguished economist and thought leader, he brings a wealth of expertise and an illustrious career in academics, policy-making, and research to CEPA at a pivotal time for Sri Lanka.

Dr. Abeyratne, an Emeritus Professor in Economics at the University of Colombo, holds a PhD from Free University Amsterdam, along with advanced degrees from the Institute of Social Studies, The Hague, and a BA Honours from the University of Colombo. His contributions to the fields of international trade, policy reforms, and rural development are well-documented through extensive research, publications, and media commentary.

He has also served as Chairman of the Stakeholder Engagement Committee (SEC) of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka since 2022 and as Chairman of the Monetary Policy Consultative Committee (MPCC) from 2017–2021. He has also advised UNDP Sri Lanka, particularly in biodiversity financing, and served as a Visiting Fellow at globally renowned institutions, including Australian National University and Ryukoku University in Japan.

Dr. Abeyratne’s appointment marks his return to CEPA, where he has contributed as a consultant over recent months. Known for his firm belief in economic freedom as a cornerstone for prosperity and his insights on policy-making, he will lead CEPA’s agenda of evidence-based research and advocacy for sustainable development.

Expressing gratitude to outgoing Executive Director Dr. Herath Gunatilake, CEPA acknowledged his pivotal role in repositioning the organisation to make a meaningful impact on poverty alleviation and national policy dialogue.

With Dr. Abeyratne at the helm, CEPA is poised to advance its mission, of promoting a better understanding of poverty-related development issues and will strive to contribute to influencing poverty-related development policy, at national, regional, sectoral, program and project levels.