Saturday Nov 23, 2024
Saturday Nov 23, 2024
Saturday, 15 June 2024 01:10 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
The Institute of National Security Studies (INSS) organised a closed-door Round Table Discussion (RTD) on “Sri Lanka’s economic security in 2024 – evaluating the outlook and risks” recently at the Nandimithra Auditorium, Ministry of Defence. Defence Secretary General Kamal Gunaratne graced the event as the Chief Guest.
INSS Overlooking Director General and Acting Director (Research) Colonel Nalin Herath warmly received the Chief Guest to the discussion.
INSS, the premier think tank on national security established and functioning under the Ministry of Defence organised the RTD which brought together esteemed voices to deliberate on pressing thematic issues.
Gateway House (Indian Council Relations) Professorial Fellow in Economics and Trade, and ODI, United Kingdom Visiting Senior Fellow Dr. Ganeshan Wignaraja moderated the session. Distinguished guest speakers for the event were Central Bank of Sri Lanka Assistant Governor Dr. Chandranath Amarasekara, University of Colombo Vice Chancellor and Chair Professor of Business Economics Senior Professor H.D. Karunaratne, and Centre for Poverty Analysis (CEPA) Executive Director Dr. Herath Gunatilake.
Following an insightful introduction by the moderator, Dr. Chandranath Amarasekara initiated the presentation by examining the macroeconomic outlook and key points in the IMF program. He reflected on past social, political and economic challenges that impacted real GDP growth rates, macroeconomic stability, exchange rates and inflation. Senior Professor H.D. Karunaratne delved into medium-term challenges in educational reforms, the aging population and skill outmigration, highlighting issues in education quality, resource disparities and professional organisation regulation. Dr. Herath Gunathilaka focused on poverty resulting from crises, including insights on the ‘Aswasuma’ initiative as an alternative to the ‘Samurdhi’ program and the potential use of electricity consumption as a poverty indicator. During the Q&A segment, the audience posed pertinent questions, demonstrating their keen engagement. The speakers responded thoughtfully, addressing current and future concerns with factual analysis and pragmatic considerations.
The audience consisted of Navy Commander Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera, Air Force Commander Air Marshal Udeni Rajapaksa, Additional Secretary (Administration) Gaminie Mahagamage, Additional Secretary (Defence) Harsha Vithanaarachchi, Chief of National Intelligence Maj. Gen. Ruwan Kulatunga (Retd), Ministry of Defence Military Liaison Officer Maj. Gen. Dhammika Welagedara, former diplomats, economists, academics, researchers, policymakers, INSS staffers and representatives from the Tri Forces and Police.
