Pathfinder Foundation webinar on Wednesday on Sri Lanka’s path to global economic integration

Monday, 6 January 2025 03:36 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Former Governor of the Central Bank of Japan will provide keynote address

The Pathfinder Foundation (PF) will hold its first webinar in 2025 ‘The New Government: Charting the Path for Integration into the Global Economy’ on Wednesday, 8 January from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. SL/IST via Zoom.

It said this timely and insightful discussion will bring together an esteemed panel of experts to explore the economic strategies and policies required to enhance Sri Lanka’s integration into the global economy.

The event comes at a vital time in Sri Lanka’s history, following the parliamentary elections that ushered in a new administration under President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. The new Government, which is strongly committed to transparency, the rule of law, and anti-corruption reforms, has created a renewed sense of stability and confidence.

Reaching a staff-level agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on the third review under the four-year extended fund facility supported program indicates the new Government’s commitment to continuing the policy reform agenda.

The webinar will explore medium and long-term policy strategies for fostering sustainable growth beyond the recovery through export-led growth paths and Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). Discussions will focus on creating a predictable foreign trade regime, enhancing institutional governance, and overcoming income disparities and multidimensional vulnerabilities.

The keynote address will be delivered by Central Bank of Japan Former Governor Prof. Haruhiko Kuroda. The lead presenters will be Australian National University Canberra Professor of Economics EmPr. Premachandra Athukorala, while the opening remarks will be delivered by World Bank for Sri Lanka and Maldives Country Manager Gevorg Sargsyan. Embassy of Japan Deputy Head of Mission Kamoshida Naoaki will be the guest speaker.

The event will be moderated by PF Distinguished Fellow and Central Bank of Sri Lanka former Governor Dr. Indrajit Coomaraswamy, whose expertise promises to steer a dynamic and insightful discussion. PF Chairman Ambassador Bernard Goonetilleke will deliver the welcome address, while former Japanese Ambassador to Sri Lanka and GRIPS Alliance Executive Advisor Nobuhito Hobo will share the closing remarks alongside PF Executive Director Dr. Dayaratna Silva.

In addition to expert presentations, the webinar will provide a platform for an interactive Q&A session, allowing participants to engage directly with the speakers.

For registration: Participants can request the Zoom link by emailing to [email protected]