In a pivotal two-day event, the Central Bank of Sri Lanka played host to a workshop focused on “The Role of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka” for 4th-year students of the Department of Business Economics at the University of Sri Jayewardenepura. Held at the Centre for Banking Studies on November 2 and 3, 2023, the workshop aimed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the vital role the Central Bank plays in shaping the economic landscape of Sri Lanka. Spearheaded by Dr. P.S.J. Fernondo, Head of the Department of Business Economics, along with Dr. M.P.K. Withanwasam and Ms. D.M.D.C. Sandamali, this program has been a continued success for the past 10 years.
The workshop featured an impressive lineup of resource persons, each an expert in their respective fields within the Central Bank of Sri Lanka. The diverse range of speakers brought a wealth of knowledge and experience to the students, offering insights into various aspects of the Central Bank’s functions.
Day 01 – Thursday, 02 November:
Ms. F A Hassim, Senior Assistant Director, Bank Supervision Department: Ms. Hassim shared her expertise on bank supervision, shedding light on the critical role the Central Bank plays in ensuring the stability of the banking sector.
Mr. A. A. Pradeep, Senior Assistant Director, Supervision of Non-Bank Financial Institutions Department: Mr. Pradeep delved into the supervision of non-bank financial institutions, emphasizing the regulatory measures in place to safeguard the financial system.
Dr. K Ambagahawita, Deputy Director, Payments & Settlements Department: Dr. Ambagahawita provided valuable insights into the intricacies of payments and settlements, highlighting the Central Bank’s pivotal role in maintaining a robust financial infrastructure.
Mr. D P D Senaratne, Assistant Director, Payments & Settlements Department: Mr. Senaratne complemented the discussion by focusing on the practical aspects of payments and settlements, offering a real-world perspective to the students.
Day 02 – Friday, 03 November:
Mrs. Y N W Ranatunga, Deputy Director, International Operations Department: Mrs. Ranatunga shed light on the international operations of the Central Bank, emphasizing its role in managing foreign exchange reserves and ensuring stability in international financial transactions.
Dr. V S Jayawikrema, Senior Economist, Economic Research Department: Dr. Jayawikrema delved into economic research, providing students with an understanding of how the Central Bank analyzes economic trends and formulates policies.
Mr. P M K Weerasinghe, Deputy Superintendent, Currency Department: Mr. Weerasinghe focused on the currency department, discussing the intricacies of currency management and the measures taken by the Central Bank to ensure the stability of the country’s currency.
Mrs. W.G.E. Nilmini, Assistant Director, Financial Intelligence Unit: Mrs. Nilmini enlightened students on the role of the Financial Intelligence Unit, emphasizing the importance of financial intelligence in combating financial crimes.
Mrs. Hiruni Chamodi, Assistant Director at the Centre for Banking Studies, Central Bank of Sri Lanka, played a pivotal role as the course coordinator. Her efforts were instrumental in organizing this insightful workshop, ensuring that students received a well-rounded and enriching learning experience.
The two-day workshop, under the able guidance of Dr. P.S.J. Fernondo, Dr. M.P.K. Withanwasam, and Ms. D.M.D.C. Sandamali, marked a significant milestone in the academic journey of the 4th-year students of the Department of Business Economics. The Central Bank’s commitment to fostering a deeper understanding of its functions and role in the economy has undoubtedly equipped these students with valuable insights that will serve them well in their future careers as economists and financial professionals.
