IPS to host webinar series with release of State of the Economy 2021

The Institute of Policy Studies of Sri Lanka (IPS) will host a public webinar series in conjunction with the release of the IPS’ annual flagship report ‘Sri Lanka: State of the Economy 2021’, on October 11, 13 and 14, from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. 

This year’s report, focused on the theme ‘Pandemics and Policy: Protecting Health and Promoting Economic Recovery’, examines some of the critical socio-economic issues and policy choices facing Sri Lanka today as it transitions to a 
‘new normal’. 

The first webinar on October 11 will focus on ‘COVID-19 and the Sri Lankan Economy: Policy Choices and Trade-offs’. It will feature presentations by Dr. Dushni Weerakoon and Dr. Asanka Wijesinghe from the IPS, with expert insights from USA Johns Hopkins University Financial Economist Dr. Missaka Warusawitharana. It will be moderated by Tharindu Udayanga from the IPS.

‘Pandemics and Disruptions: Safeguarding Lives and Livelihoods of Sri Lankans’ is the topic of discussion on October 13. The IPS presentations will be led by Dr. Nisha Arunatilake and Dr. Bilesha Weeraratne, with expert insights from International Organisation for Migration Global Health Research and Epidemiology Coordinator Dr. Kolitha Wickramage and TRCSL Director and former Commissioner of Labour Madhavie Gunawardena. Ashani Abayasekara from the IPS will moderate the discussion.

The third webinar on October 14 is on ‘Equity in Recovery: Addressing Sri Lanka’s Social Protection and Food Security Needs’. Presentations by Dr. Ganga Tilakaratna and Dr. Manoj Thibbotuwawa of the IPS will be followed by expert insights from Agriculture Ministry Secretary Prof. Udith Jayasinghe and University of Peradeniya Professor of Economics Prof. Dileni Gunewardena. Lakshila Wanigasinghe from the IPS will moderate.

The webinars will have a question and answer session to enable registered participants to pose their questions to the panellists. The discussions can also be watched live on the IPS’s Facebook page and IPS’ YouTube page, from 2:55 p.m. onwards and followed on Twitter @TalkEconomicsSL using #SOE2021. 

The IPS welcomes all those interested in learning more about ‘Pandemics and Policy: Protecting Health and Promoting Economic Recovery’ to join the programme. For more details, including event registration links, visit: https://www.ips.lk/sri-lanka-state-of-the-economy-2021-report-launch-webinar-series/ or email: [email protected].