Encountering SDGs and Climate Change Challenges
IPS Research Economist, Kanchana Wickramasinghe, recently highlighted the nature of risks and vulnerabilities that women would face due to impacts of climate change, at a roundtable discussion.
Nisha Arunatilake Appointed as Director of Research of IPS
Dr. Nisha Arunatilake has been appointed as the Director of Research of IPS, effective from 01 January 2018.
2018 Blue Green Budget of Sri Lanka: It’s Reality in Environmental Perspective
IPS Research Economist, Kanchana Wickramasinghe, recently shared her views on Sri Lanka’s 2018 Budget proposals which aimed at improving climate resilience of the country.
#SOE2017 Twitter Chat discusses Sri Lanka’s Economic Policy Direction
The #SOE2017 Twitter Chat, hosted by IPS (@TalkEconomicsSL) to unpack the findings of the Institute’s flagship report, ‘Sri Lanka: State of the Economy 2017’, was held on 14 December 2017.
IPS Researcher Highlights Common Sustainable Development Challenges in South Asia
IPS Research Officer, Samanthi Bandara, highlighted slow economic growth, human development challenges, environmental degradation, inadequate financial resources, lack of an institutional integration (vertical and horizontal integration), and lack of integration with private sector as common sustainable development challenges that South Asian countries face.
Policy Research Institutions and the Health SDGs: National Preparedness in South Asia
IPS Research Assistant, Yolanthika Ellepola, recently noted that South Asian countries have shown a significant commitment towards achieving health and health related SDGs.
Kanchana Wickramasinghe Discusses Ways to Build Climate Resilience on Biz 1st Review 360
Speaking on Biz1st Review 360, broadcast over TV1 (formerly MTV Sports) on 01 December 2017, IPS Research Economist, Kanchana Wickramasinghe, discussed green initiatives in Sri Lanka’s Budget 2018, dubbed the ‘Blue-Green Budget.’
IPS Draws Attention to the Shortage of Qualified and Experienced Teachers
IPS Research Fellow, Nisha Arunatilake, recently noted that while Sri Lanka had a surplus of teachers, the country was experiencing a shortage of qualified and experienced teachers, especially in subjects of mathematics and science.
Former Finance Secretary of India Speaks on Indo-Sri Lanka Economic Relations
Dr. S. Narayan spoke at the joint lecture on ‘India-Sri Lanka Economic Relations in Modi’s India,’ hosted by IPS and the Lakshman Kadirgamar Institute of International Relations and Strategic Studies (LKI), on 20 November 2017, at the Lighthouse at LKI.
Deepening Economic Integration for Inclusive and Sustainable Development in South Asia
‘Deepening Economic Integration for Inclusive and Sustainable Development in South Asia’ was the theme of the 10th South Asia Economic Summit (SAES), held on 14 – 16 November, in Kathmandu, Nepal.
Making Permanent Jobs Accessible: Learning from Slovenia’s Experience
Prof. Milan Vodopivec, formerly a lead economist at the World Bank and the State Undersecretary at the Ministry of Labour of Slovenia, says Sri Lanka should improve access to permanent jobs for all and make the labour market more flexible.
WEF Transformation Map for Sri Lanka, Developed by IPS Researchers, Now Online
A team of researchers from IPS developed a Transformation Map for Sri Lanka for the World Economic Forum (WEF).
Sri Lanka’s Debt Troubles in the New Development Finance Landscape
‘Sri Lanka’s Debt Troubles in the New Development Finance Landscape’ by IPS Executive Director, Dushni Weerakoon, examines the challenges middle-income countries face in the new development finance landscape as the overall costs and risks of a debt portfolio rises.
Ganga Tilakaratna Highlights Sri Lanka’s Initiatives to Localize SDGs
IPS Research Fellow, Ganga Tilakaratna, recently discussed the government initiatives to localize the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and to enhance coordination of the SDG implementation in Sri Lanka.
Bilesha Weeraratne Comments on How Climate Risks Influence Migration in Sri Lanka
In a recent Reuters’ article, IPS Research Fellow, Bilesha Weeraratne, highlighted how weather patterns and climate risks influence migration of Sri Lankan workers
Nisha Arunatilake Appointed to the Standing Committee on Higher Education of the NEC
IPS Research Fellow, Nisha Arunatilake, has been appointed as a member of the Standing Committee on Higher Education of the National Education Commission (NEC) from 01 November 2017.
Dushni Weerakoon appointed as Executive Director of IPS
Dr. Dushni Weerakoon has been appointed as the Executive Director of the IPS. She succeeds renowned economist, late Dr. Saman Kelegama, who passed away in June this year.
Food-Based Social Assistance Programs in Sri Lanka: Evolution and Transition to Cash Transfers
‘‘Food-Based Social Assistance Programs in Sri Lanka: Evolution and Transition to Cash Transfers’, authored by IPS Research Fellow, Ganga Tilakaratna and IPS Research Officer, Chinthani Sooriyamudali, published in The 1.5 Billion People Question: Food, Vouchers, or Cash Transfers? traces the development of Sri Lanka’s food-oriented social assistance (FOSA) system.
Nisha Arunatilake Discusses Inefficiencies in Sri Lanka’s Labour Market on Biz 1st Infocus
Speaking on Biz1st Infocus, broadcast over TV1 (formerly MTV Sports) on 17 October 2017, IPS Research Fellow, Nisha Arunatilake, discussed labour market inefficiencies that were holding back Sri Lanka’s growth.
Skills Mismatch a Massive Economic Cost, Says IPS Researcher
Sri Lankan industries continue to incur immense economic costs due to the country's inability to create skilled workers by making the necessary education reforms, IPS Research Fellow Dr. Nisha Arunatilake said, talking to Ceylon Today.
Land Health is National Wealth
IPS Research Fellow, Manoj Thibbotuwawa, revealed that growing scarcity of land, property right issues, encroachment of state lands, land fragmentation, degradation of lands, and complex administrative and regulatory structures were the major policy challenges that affect the land health in Sri Lanka.
IPS Launches ‘Sri Lanka: State of the Economy 2017’
IPS launched its flagship report, ‘Sri Lanka: State of the Economy 2017’, on 10 October 2017 at the Dr. Saman Kelegama Auditorium.
Sri Lanka and GSP+: Ensuring Sustainable Supply Chains
IPS Research Fellow, Janaka Wijayasiri, made a presentation at the National Forum on ‘Sri Lanka and GSP+: Ensuring Sustainable Supply Chains’, organized jointly by the Delegation of the European Union to Sri Lanka, the Foreign Trade Association (FTA) in Brussels, the European Chamber of Commerce in Sri Lanka, and the International Labour Organization (ILO), Sri Lanka.
Kithmina Hewage Discusses Sri Lanka’s Economic Outlook on Biz1st 360
IPS Research Officer, Kithmina Hewage, was featured on Biz1st 360, broadcast over TV1 (formerly MTV Sports), on 29 September 2017.
IPS Auditorium named after late Dr. Saman Kelegama
IPS on 25 September 2017 named its state-of-the-art auditorium as the ‘Dr. Saman Kelegama Auditorium’, dedicating it to its late Executive Director, in memory of his vision, leadership, and guidance to the IPS, especially in establishing the Institute’s Head Office at Independence Square.
Sri Lanka’s Economic Outlook Highlighted at ADB-ATTN Development Forum 2017
The fifth ADB-ATTN Development Forum 2017 was held in Colombo on 20 – 21 September 2017. The Forum, which saw the participation of more than 25 countries, was co-organized by the Asia Development Bank (ADB) and the IPS.
Export Promotion and Market Access for Agriculture and Food Products in Major Global Markets
A workshop on ‘Export Promotion and Market Access for Agriculture and Food Products in Major Global Markets’, organized by the IPS in collaboration with the SAARC Agriculture Centre (SAC) was held on 19 – 21 September 2017.
Labour Shortages in Sri Lanka’s Apparel Sector
Examining the labour shortages in the apparel sector of Sri Lanka, IPS Research Economist, Sunimalee Madurawala, says “with higher educational qualifications, young girls don’t want to come to a garment factory and be a sewing operator.”
Financial Inclusion, Regulation, and Education: Asian Perspectives
Financial Inclusion, Regulation, and Education: Asian Perspectives, published by the Asian Development Bank Institute, surveys the experience of some developed and Asian emerging economies to assess factors affecting the ability of low-income households and small firms to access financial services.
Bilesha Weeraratne Discusses Migration Issues on ‘Face the Nation’
IPS Research Fellow, Bilesha Weeraratne, discussed a wide range of issues related to migration and policy recommendations to safeguard the rights of migrant workers on ‘Face the Nation’ (FTN).
IPS Researcher Discusses link between Labour Laws and Youth Unemployment
In an interview with the Daily Mirror, IPS Research Fellow, Dr. Nisha Arunatilake, highlighted labour market inefficiencies in Sri Lanka and their causes.
GCM to Address Global Migration Governance
IPS Research Fellow, Dr. Bilesha Weeraratne made a presentation at the National Multi-Stakeholder Consultation on Global Compact on Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration, organized by International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the Ministry of Foreign Employment.
Living Wage for the Estate Sector of Sri Lanka: Is it Sufficient?
A Stakeholder Validation Workshop, organized by the IPS, Global Living Wage Coalition (GLWC), and Fairtrade International (FLO) was held on 24 August 2017 at the IPS Auditorium, with the participation of a wide range of stakeholders.
IPS Researcher Highlights the Role of Women in the Private Sector of Sri Lanka
Recently, IPS Research Fellow Dr. Nisha Arunatilake sat down with the Daily Mirror to discuss recent trends and challenges in the Sri Lankan labour market.
Global Compact on Migration: Way Forward for Sri Lanka
Highlighting the importance of Global Compact on Migration, IPS Research Fellow, Bilesha Weeraratne, recently noted that this mechanism offers the international community an opportunity to contribute to global migration governance.
The Export Benefit of GSP Plus to Sri Lanka in Numbers
Speaking on the recently reinstated Generalized Scheme of Preferences (GSP) Plus facility, IPS Research Fellow, Janaka Wijayasiri, noted that Sri Lanka’s overall exports to the European Union (EU) can increase by US$ 480 million.
Accelerating Political Support for SDG Implementation
IPS Research Assistant, Yolanthika Ellepola, recently noted that there has been concerted political commitment towards Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the health sector, especially in the aspect of nutrition, in Sri Lanka.
Executing a Smarter Trade Strategy amidst Turbulence, Sri Lanka Economics Summit 2017
IPS Acting Executive Director, Dr. Dushni Weerakoon, recently pointed out that Sri Lanka has no option but to integrate into the global economy as the country has exhausted potential for debt financed growth.
Globalization of Family: the Role of the State
IPS Research Fellow, Bilesha Weeraratne, recently spoke on the importance of migrant families in Sri Lanka.
Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) Workshop
IPS Research Fellow, Janaka Wijayasiri, attended a three-day workshop on Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) from 18 – 20 July 2017.
Why do Older Workers Chose to Participate in a Different Livelihood?
In Sri Lanka, having a wide array of career options to choose from is only possible in urbanized cities, while job opportunities in less developed districts are limited only to the public sector.
Third Trans-Himalaya Development Forum
Protectionist trade and investment policies serve only special interests and hurt long term growth of an economy, IPS Research Officer, Kithmina Hewage, argued recently.
School-Level Bottlenecks in Improving O-Level Performance in Sri Lanka
In 2015, 45% of students failed or only conditionally passed O-Level Examinations. In this context, improving students’ performance at this milestone examination is imperative.
University of Wollongong Study Tour
Research Assistant Vishvanathan Subramaniam recently noted that Sri Lanka’s economic growth has been lagging and its trade deficit was increasing at an alarming rate.
A Visionary, whose Legacy was Built on Humility and Humanity
In Appreciation of Dr. Saman Kelegama, by the staff of the Institute of Policy Studies of Sri Lanka
Condolence Message by the IPS Board
It is with deep sadness that we, the members of IPS’s governing board, received the news of the sudden passing of the Institute’s executive director, Dr. Saman Kelegama.
Training Programme on International Trade Theory and Practice
IPS Research Assistant, Nuwanthi Senaratne, attended the training programme on International Trade Theory and Practice, organized by the EXIM Bank of India and the Research and Information System for Developing Countries (RIS), held in New Delhi, India, from 19 – 24 June 2017.
Fellowship Programme on “Advanced Training Course on Intellectual Property, Technology Transfer and Licensing”
IPS Research Officer, Dilani Hirimuthugodage, participated at a Fellowship Programme on “Advanced Training Course on Intellectual Property, Technology Transfer and Licensing” from 12 June 2017 to 23 June 2017 in Strasbourg, France.
Workshop on Job Creation in Manufacturing Sector: Strategy for Sustainable Economic Growth in South Asia
IPS Research Assistant, Vishvanathan Subramaniam, recently argued that Sri Lanka has failed to maximize benefits of outward oriented manufacturing due to inconsistent policy reforms, and a prolonged dependency on a labor and resource intensive portfolio of exports.
Biz1st Review 360 (MTV News1st) on Blue Economy
IPS Research Fellow Dr. Athula Senaratne was featured on the Biz1st Review 360 (MTV News1st) show on 16 June 2017. During the interview, he shared his expertise on the concept of Blue Economy and how Sri Lanka can benefit from it.
China NGO Network for International Exchanges (CNIE) Study Tour
Highlighting the need for engaging think tanks and other NGOs to make China’s Belt and Road Initiative more inclusive, IPS Research Fellow, Dr. Ganga Tilakaratna noted that think tanks in particular can play an important role in minimizing the information gaps, and creating knowledge and awareness of the objectives and benefits of this initiative at all levels.
Management Conference of MBA Alumni Association, University of Colombo and Daily FT on “Growing with Giants”
IPS Research Fellow, Janaka Wijayasiri, made a presentation at the Management Conference of MBA Alumni Association, University of Colombo and Daily FT on “Growing with Giants”, on 14 June 2017, in Colombo. Chairman of IPS, Dr. Razeen Sally, took part in the ensuring panel discussion on Sri Lanka-China Economic Cooperation, Trade and Bilateral Agreements.
BRICS Political Parties, Think Tanks and NGO Forum
IPS Research Fellow, Dr. Ganga Tilakaratna, was a delegate from Sri Lanka to the BRICS Political Parties, Think Tanks and Non-Governmental Organizations Forum on ‘Pooling Wisdom and Efforts towards Common Development and a Brighter Future.’
Meeting with Investors from the Asia and Pacific Region
A team of investors from the Asia and Pacific region met IPS Executive Director, Dr. Saman Kelegama, and Research Officer, Kithmina Hewage, on 17 May 2017, at the IPS.
Workshop on Emerging Food Safety and Quality Risks in South Asia
A Workshop on the topic ‘Emerging Food Safety and Quality Risks in South Asia: Challenges and Opportunities for Sri Lanka’, organized by the Ministry of Primary Industries and IPS in collaboration with the International Food Policy Research Institute was held on 8-9 May 2017.
Policy Dialogue on the ESCAP Economic and Social Survey for Asia Pacific 2017
A Policy Dialogue on the ESCAP Economic and Social Survey for Asia Pacific 2017 was held at IPS on 08 May 2017.
6th International Conference of Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka
IPS Research Officer, Dilani Hirimuthugodage, made a presentation on “Role of Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) in Promoting Ecotourism in Sri Lanka” at the 6th International Conference of Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka.
Third Meeting of the BIMSTEC Network of Policy Think Tanks
IPS Research Fellow, Dr. Janaka Wijayasiri, participated in the Third Meeting of the BIMSTEC Network of Policy Think Tanks (BNPTT) held at the BIMSTEC Secretariat, Dhaka, Bangladesh on 22-23 April 2017.
Roundtable on Revitalising SAARC
IPS Research Officer Kithmina Hewage participated as a panelist at the Roundtable on Revitalising SAARC, organized by the SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SAARC CCI), on 16 April 2017, in Dhaka, Bangladesh.
Symposium on the Land of Abundance and the Silk Road
IPS Research Officer Kithmina Hewage made a presentation titled China’s Silk Road in a Changing Global Order at the Symposium on the Land of Abundance and the Silk Road held on 7-8 April 2017 in Chengdu, China.
Punjab Economic Forum
IPS Research Fellow, Dr. Athula Senaratne participated at the Punjab Economic Forum as a panelist, held on 3-4 April 2017 in Lahore, Pakistan.
Roundtable Discussion on Land Use Policy
To assist Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) to identify issues faced by investors with regard to access to commercially-viable land, IPS recently held a roundtable discussion on land use policy in Sri Lanka.
BankTech Asia Conference
IPS Research Fellow, Dr. Ganga Tilakaratna made a presentation on ‘Financial access is NOT Financial Inclusion: Current Status and Issues of Financial Inclusion in Sri Lanka’ at the 9th BankTech Asia Conference organized by the Knowledge Group of Companies, Malaysia , held at Taj Samudra Hotel, Colombo on 21-22 March 2017.
Dissemination Seminar on ‘Cinnamon, Pepper and Cardamom Value Chains Study’
As part of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and IPS project, IPS recently conducted a dissemination seminar on ‘Cinnamon, Pepper and Cardamom Value Chains Study’ at the IPS Auditorium.
World Consumer Rights Day Forum
To mark the World Consumer Rights Day, IPS held a forum, centered on the theme ‘Consumer Rights in the Digital Age’ on 15 March 2017 in the IPS Auditorium, with the participation of experts in the field, digital consumers, entrepreneurs and stakeholders.
IPS conducts training on Value Chain Analysis
As part of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and IPS Value Chains study on the spice industry in Sri Lanka, IPS conducted a training programmeon Value Chain Analysis (VCA) for government officials and stakeholders on 13 March 2017 at the IPS premises.
Symposium on ‘Old-Age Income Security and Universal Basic Income in South Asia
IPS Research Fellow, Dr. Ganga Tilakaratna made a presentation on ‘Income Security for Older Persons in Sri Lanka’ at the symposium on 'Old-Age Income Security and Universal Basic Income in South Asia', organized by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) and the National Institute of Public Finance and Policy, India, held in New Delhi, India on 27 February 2017.
IPS Executive Director participates at SANEM Annual Economists’ Conference 2017
IPS Executive Director, Dr. Saman Kelegama, participated at the South Asia Network on Economic Modeling (SANEM)’s Second Annual Economists’ Conference on “Managing Growth for Social Inclusion” which was held on 18-19th February 2017 at the BRAC Centre Inn Auditorium in Mohakhali, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
Launch of the National Strategic Review on Food and Nutrition Security – Towards Zero Hunger
The National Strategic Review on Food and Nutrition Security-Towards Zero Hunger was launched in Colombo, by Former President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga, Chairperson of the South Asia Policy and Research Institute in the presence of United Nations World Food Programme, Executive Director, Ertharin Cousin, on Monday 13th of February 2017.
High Commissioner of Singapore visits IPS
H.E. Mr. S. Chandra Das, the High Commissioner of Singapore to Sri Lanka made a courtesy call at the IPS on 6th February 2017.
Workshop on Climate Insurance for Dry Zone Farmers in Sri Lanka
The IPS organized a workshop to disseminate the findings of a study titled ‘Climate Insurance for Dry Zone Farmers in Sri Lanka’ at the IPS Auditorium on the 24th of January 2017.
International Conference on “Human Capital, Food Security and Economic Development in South Asia”
IPS in collaboration with the Centre of Development Economics and Sustainability (CDES), and the South Asia Research Network (SARN), Monash University, Australia, organized a conference on “Human Capital, Food Security and Economic Development in South Asia” from 11-12th January, 2017 in Colombo.
Prof. Ricardo Haussmann, Director of the CID, Harvard Kennedy School, USA, visits IPS
Professor Ricardo Hausmann Director of the Center for International Development (CID) and a Professor of the Practice of Economic Development at the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University, USA visited the IPS Library with his team from the CID on 11th January.