Department of Economics Hosts the 58th Quarterly Meeting of the Sri Lanka Forum of University Economists (SLFUE)

The Department of Economics, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, successfully hosted the 58th Quarterly Meeting of the Sri Lanka Forum of University Economists (SLFUE) on 19 June 2026 at the Sri Sumangala Auditorium, University of Sri Jayewardenepura.
The Sri Lanka Forum of University Economists (SLFUE), established in February 2012, aims to promote closer cooperation, scholarly dialogue, research collaboration, and academic advancement among economists serving in Sri Lanka’s public universities. The Forum seeks to enhance the visibility and recognition of university economists within both national and international academic communities through meaningful contributions to economic research, policy discourse, and national development.
At present, the Forum comprises 32 departments and academic units engaged in the teaching and research of Economics within the Sri Lankan university system. For the year 2026, the chairmanship of the SLFUE is held by the University of Jaffna. The Department of Economics of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura was honoured to host the 58th Quarterly Meeting, bringing together economists representing universities across the country.
Parallel to the quarterly meeting, a timely and highly relevant panel discussion was organised under the theme: “Sri Lanka’s Economic Crisis: Who Pays, Who Decides, and What Comes Next?”
The distinguished panel comprised:
• Dr. W. A. Wijewardena – Former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka
• Dr. Kalpa Rajapaksha – University of Peradeniya
• Dr. M. Sarvananthan – University of Jaffna
• Professor Janaka Fernando – University of Sri Jayewardenepura
The session was moderated by Professor Nandasiri Keembiyahetti, Professor in Economics at the University of Ruhuna.
The panel discussion provided an important platform for academics, researchers, and policymakers to engage in critical dialogue on the causes, consequences, and future directions of Sri Lanka’s ongoing economic challenges.
During the opening session, copies of the Sri Lanka Journal of Economic Research (SLJER), Volume 13, Issue 1 were distributed among the distinguished guests and participants, highlighting the Forum’s continued commitment to advancing economic scholarship and research dissemination.
The opening session of the 58th Quarterly Meeting was graced by:
• Senior Professor Shirantha Heenkenda, Dean, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura
• Professor Gamini Weerasinghe, Head, Department of Economics, University of Sri Jayewardenepura
• Senior academics from Sri Lankan universities
• Members of the Sri Lanka Forum of University Economists
Following the opening session, the 58th Quarterly Meeting of the Sri Lanka Forum of University Economists (SLFUE) commenced at the Faculty Board Room of the Sumangala Building. The meeting was chaired by Dr. S. Sarujan of the University of Jaffna.
During the meeting, Professor Nandasiri Keembiyahetty of the University of Ruhuna presented the pre-review of the forthcoming issue of the Sri Lanka Journal of Economic Research.
The progress of the organisation of the Sri Lanka Economic Research Conference 2026 was also presented to the members. Dr. S. Sarujan, Conference Chair, together with Dr. Kamalakumari Karunaanithy, Conference Secretary, briefed the gathering on the preparations and progress of the conference arrangements.
As a prelude to the quarterly meeting, a pre-meeting workshop was conducted online on 17 June 2026 under the theme: “Ethical and Effective Use of AI in Research.” The workshop was facilitated by Senior Professor Hiran Amarasekara, Professor of Forestry and Environmental Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura.
The successful hosting of the 58th Quarterly Meeting of the SLFUE reflects the continued commitment of the Department of Economics to fostering academic collaboration, promoting economic research, and contributing to informed policy dialogue.