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Adam Collins, Research Fellow at LKI, made an invited presentation at the New Thinkers’ Symposium on 27 February 2018, organised by the Institute of Policy Studies of Sri Lanka.

The opening session included a panel discussion featuring Dr. Harsha De Silva, State Minister of National Policies and Economic Affairs; Shiran Fernando, Chief Economist of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce; and Selyna Peiris, Business Development Director of Selyn.

Mr Collins’ presentation focused on Sri Lanka’s trade and investment links, including how to maximise the benefits of the recent free trade agreement (FTA) with Singapore and the key risks to the global economy that policymakers should be watching. He highlighted that Sri Lanka should use to the opportunity provided by the new FTA to gain Singaporean expertise on attracting greater foreign investment, while also using it as a possible stepping stone to eventual membership of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership.

The objective behind the New Thinkers’ Symposium was to provide a platform for public policy practitioners under 35 years to discuss the national economic policy outlook. Other presenters at the symposium included representatives from the Ministry of National Policies and Economic Affairs, Centre for Poverty Analysis, Verité Research, IPS and LIRNEasia.

The event drew a diverse group of over 90 participants, including government officials, private sector representatives, academics, students and the media.