‘Expert Voices’, panel discussion on “The Jobs Challenge”

IPS ‘Talking Economics’ hosted a unique networking event and ‘Expert Voices’ panel discussion on “The Jobs Challenge” on Wednesday 22nd August from 6 to 8pm in the IPS Executive Lounge.

The panelists, drawn from diverse sectors included Kishu Gomes (Managing Director/CEO, Chevron Lubricants Lanka PLC ), Prajeeth Balasubramanium (Founder and Managing Director, Blue Ocean Ventures),Nisha Arunatilake (Research Fellow and Head, Human Resources Development Policy Unit, IPS), Rashitha Delapola (International Affairs Coordinator, National Youth Services Council), Gayan Panditharathna (young entrepreneur). Anushka Wijesinha, Research Economist and Editor of the ‘Talking Economics Blog’ was the Moderator at the discussion.

The audience was an eclectic mix of young professionals from the private sector, academia and public institutions.

Sri Lanka continues to grapple with issues of youth unemployment and under employment, and this ‘Expert Voices’ open dialogue provided an opportunity to explore some of the challenges and dilemmas of this issue, but also identify innovative solutions. The latest issue of the bi-annual publication ‘Talking Economics Digest’ (January – June 2012) was also launched at this event, with the first copy being handed by IPs Executive Director Saman Kelegama to Patrick Amerasinghe, respected private sector leader and founder/chairman of Young Entrepreneurs of Sri Lanka (YESL).