CEPA to hold symposium on poverty alleviation strategies

The Centre of Poverty Analysis (CEPA) is set to host an insightful symposium titled ‘Retrospect and Prospects on Poverty Alleviation in an Era of Economic Crisis’ on November 29th and 30th at BMICH.
The event, organised by CEPA will gather experts, practitioners, and stakeholders to delve into the critical issue of poverty in Sri Lanka.

The symposium will adopt a two-fold approach: “Retrospect” and “Prospect.” It will review poverty-related issues over time to broaden our understanding and focus on measuring and addressing poverty in the present crisis situation and beyond. The keynote speeches at the inauguration ceremony on the 29th will be delivered by Dr. Indrajith Coomaraswamy, Former Central Bank Governor, and Dr. Rana Hassan, Regional Lead Economist of the Asian Development Bank (ADB).  One of the key outcomes of the symposium will be an assessment of the applicability of past successful approaches to future poverty reduction efforts.

Continuing the momentum into the second day, the symposium will amplify its discourse on government initiatives targeting poverty and vulnerability. Eminent figures like R.H.W. Anuradha Kumarasiri will spearhead discussions on governmental strategies. Engaging plenary sessions will dissect the intertwining factors of economic crises, poverty, and vulnerability, with experts like Prof. Hemesiri Kotagama and Dr. Ranjith Punyawardane offering their valuable insights. 

The conversation will then pivot to the critical role of inequality in poverty reduction, featuring illuminating contributions from Dr. Herath Gunatilake, Dr. Ravindra Deshapriya, Dr. Janaka Fernando, and Dr. Vengadeshvaran Sharma. Concluding the event, a forward-looking session will envision prospects for the future, drawing collaborative wisdom from symposium partners and celebrating the foundational contributions of Dr. Nimal Sandaratne, the Founding Chairman of CEPA. Throughout both days, the symposium will serve as a catalyst for nuanced discussions, fostering a collective vision towards robust poverty alleviation strategies in Sri Lanka.