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Overview of Event Why you should Join
Sri Lanka’s first "Ignite Growth" economic conference brings together a panel of international and local experts who have successfully guided nations from recovery to sustainable economic growth.
Buy TicketsSessions Breakdown
Spanning across two days, we delve into Sri Lanka's journey from crisis recovery to its next step: focusing on sustainable growth and implementing reforms to drive progress.
01
Great Speakers
The panel of international and national experts who have guided countries through turmoil to prosperity.
Networking
Having exclusive access to closed-door sessions at the "Ignite Growth" Conference will open doors for myrade of networking opportunities with fellow like-minded participants
03
Your Ideas Matter!
Contribute your ideas for a greater course in changing the system. All participants will be given time in sessions where they will be able to voice their ideas and get involved!
04Featured Speakers
Professor Stephan Dercon
Professor of Economic Policy at the Blavatnik School of Government and the Economics Department at the University of Oxford
(Virtual Appearence)
Professor Stephan Dercon
Professor of Economic Policy at the Blavatnik School of Government and the Economics Department at the University of OxfordProfessor Stefan Dercon is a prominent economist and development expert specializing in the intersection of economics, public policy, and international development. He is a Professor of Economic Policy at the Blavatnik School of Government and the Economics Department at the University of Oxford, where he focuses on designing and evaluating strategies to foster economic growth, reduce poverty, and build resilience in low-income countries. With a background in development economics, Dercon has advised governments, international organizations, and NGOs on evidence-based policy-making. He previously served as the Chief Economist at the UK Department for International Development (DFID), where he provided strategic leadership on development policy. His research spans a wide range of topics, including risk and poverty, the role of institutions in economic development, and the dynamics of inequality. Dercon is the author of several influential publications, including Gambling on Development: Why Some Countries Win and Others Lose. Known for his pragmatic approach, he bridges the gap between academic insights and practical solutions, making significant contributions to global development.
Session by Professor Stephan Dercon
Day 1
10.30 - 11.30 amResetting Samurdhi: Social Safety Nets
Dr. Jan Mischke
Partner at the McKinsey Global Institute (MGI), McKinsey’s business and economics research arm, based in Zurich
(Virtual Appearence)
Dr. Jan Mischke
Partner at the McKinsey Global Institute (MGI), McKinsey’s business and economics research arm, based in ZurichDr. Jan Mischke is a partner at the McKinsey Global Institute (MGI), McKinsey’s business and economics research arm, based in Zurich. Since 2010, he has led MGI’s research on productivity and prosperity. This includes topics ranging from regional and country competitiveness and growth, particularly in Europe, to infrastructure, construction, and real estate, to global wealth and balance sheet health. Jan is a frequent speaker on these topics as well as on broader global trends. Most recently, he is the co-author of Investing in productivity growth, an MGI report published in March 2024.
Session by Dr. Jan Mischke
Day 1
10.30 - 11.30 amDebt Crisis, Structural Adjustment and Trade Policy
The Context Why #Ignite Growth
Having emerged from its worst economic crisis since independence, Sri Lanka now stands at a critical juncture, shifting its focus from recovery to rebuilding and fostering growth. Although challenges such as inflation, resource constraints, and the lingering effects of the crisis remain, the nation is poised to explore new opportunities for sustainable progress. In this context, the Advocata Institute has taken the initiative to organize Sri Lanka's first "Ignite Growth" economic conference. This landmark event will bring together global and local experts to share insights and strategies, offering a roadmap for transforming economic recovery into a foundation for lasting prosperity and inclusive development.
Schedule Details Information of Event Schedules
A two-day conference, taking place at BMICH (Lotus Hall), Colombo 07 from 9.00 AM - 6.00 PM - with a panel of international and national experts who have guided countries through turmoil to prosperity. The event schedule is subject to change.
Day 1: Wednesday, 22nd January – "Understanding the Constraints"
8:00-8:30 AM
Registration
BMICH Lotus Hall, Colombo 07
9:00 AM
Kickoff and Advocata Video Presentation
Opening Speech by Mr. Murtaza Jafferjee : "Why are we doing this?"
– An overview of the objectives and importance of this conference.
9:30 AM
Sri Lanka’s Growth Odyssey: Navigating Challenges, Learning from Miracles, Unlocking Potential
Speaker:Dr. Chandranath Amarasekara
Assistant Governor · Central Bank of Sri Lanka
Explore the macroeconomic outlook for Sri Lanka, discussing challenges and opportunities for economic growth in the coming years.
10:20 AM
Networking Tea Break
A chance to connect with fellow participants, speakers, and policymakers over light refreshments.
10:50 AM
Shaping the Future: The Challenges and Opportunities of Population Dynamics
Speaker: Prof. Lakshman Dissanayake
Former Senior Professor of Demography at the University of Colombo
An in-depth look at Sri Lanka’s demographic shifts, the challenges posed by an aging population, and the potential of its youth demographic for economic growth.
11:40 AM
Understanding the Workforce: Insights from the Economic Census
Speaker: Manju Perera
Statician, DCS
Gain insights into Sri Lanka's labor force and economic trends, with data from the latest economic and labor force surveys.
12:30 PM
Lunch Break
1:20 PM
Fireside Chat: Gambling on Development
Speaker: Professor Stephan Dercon
(Virtual Appearence)
Professor of Economic Policy at the Blavatnik School of Government and the Economics Department at the University of Oxford
Interlocutor: Dr. Indrajit Coomaraswamy, Former Governor, CBSL
An engaging conversation on the role of risk-taking in development, lessons from global experiences, and implications for Sri Lanka.
2.20 PM
Vision 2048: National Physical Development Plan
Speaker:Mr. Ruchira Vithana
Director General at the National Physical Planning Department.
Presentation on Sri Lanka’s long-term physical development goals and how strategic planning can support sustainable growth.
3:10 PM
Afternoon Tea Break
3:30 PM
Powering Growth Through Strong Credit Infrastructure
Speaker: Mr. Pushpike Jayasundara General Manager, Credit Information Bureau of Sri Lanka
Discussion on strengthening credit systems and their role in facilitating growth and investment in Sri Lanka.
4:20 PM
How Trade Fuels Sustainable and Inclusive Development
Speaker: Ms.Anna Twum
Economist, Macroeconomics, Trade and Investment - World Bank
Examine trade policies, global market access, and the role of exports in driving Sri Lanka’s economic growth.
5:10 PM
Empower to Prosper: Women Working for Growth
Speaker: Mr. Maurizio Bussolo (Virtual Appearence)
Lead Economist, Chief Economist Office for South Asia -World Bank
Explore the challenges and opportunities for increasing female participation in the workforce and its impact on economic development.
6:00 PM
Closing remarks
Day 2 : Thursday, 23rd January - “Productivity in Action”
8:00 - 8:30 AM
Registration
BMICH Lotus Hall, Colombo 07
8:30 AM
Platform Companies: Revolutionising Business Models
Speaker: Mr. Sudaraka Ariyaratna
Economist (Virtual Appearence)
A discussion on how platform-based companies are disrupting traditional industries with innovative business models and scaling rapidly.
9:00 AM
Case Study 1: Meta Platforms
Speaker:Mr. Senura Abeywardena (Virtual Appearence)
Head of Public Policy, Central Asia, Mongolia and Sri Lanka -Meta
Learn how Meta is reshaping the e-commerce landscape by leveraging its platform to connect buyers and sellers seamlessly.
9:50 AM
Case Study 2: Booking.com: Driving productivity and innovation in travel
Speaker: Mr.Arun Ashok (Virtual Appearence)
Area Manager - Indian Subcontinent- Booking.com. Analyzing how Booking.com has become a global leader in travel services, optimizing user experiences and industry connections.
10:40 AM
Networking Tea Break
A chance to connect with fellow participants, speakers, and policymakers over light refreshments.
11:00 AM
Case Study 3: On-Demand Nation: How Ride-Hailing and Food Delivery Fuel Productivity
Speaker: Mr. Jiffry Zulfer
Founder & CEO- PickMe (Digital Mobility Solutions Lanka Plc)
Explore how PickMe transformed urban transportation in Sri Lanka through localized innovation and technology-driven solutions.
10:40 AM
Networking Tea Break
A chance to connect with fellow participants, speakers, and policymakers over light refreshments.
11:50 AM
Fireside chat with Hans Wijesuriya
Speaker: Dr. Hans Wijayasuriya Former CEO and Group Executive Director of Axiata Group with Prof.Rohan Samarajiva- Interlocutor , Chair of Lirnesia and Advisor for Advocata.
Join a captivating Fireside Chat focused on leadership, digital transformation, and the future of Sri Lanka’s telecommunications industry. Gain valuable insights into the evolving tech landscape from an industry expert.
12:40 PM
Lunch Break
1:30 PM
Investing in Productivity for the Fast Lane to Growth
Speaker: Dr. Jan Mischke (Virtual Appearence)
Partner at the McKinsey Global Institute (MGI), McKinsey’s business and economics research arm, based in Zurich
Ms.Rehana Thowfeek - Advocata Research Consultant
Jan Mischke delivers actionable insights on how to enhance productivity and drive impactful results across industries.
2:30 PM
Case Study 4: From Good to Great: Elevating Retail with Process Excellence
Speaker: Mr. Charitha Subasinghe
President- Retail at John Keells Holdings PLC
A deep dive into how modern trade practices are revolutionizing the retail sector with examples from Sri Lanka’s largest retailers.
3:20 PM
Afternoon Tea Break
3:40 PM
Case Study 5: Lean Luxury: rethinking hospitality operations
Speaker:Mr. Hishan Singhawansa
Deputy CEO & Chief Operating Officer at Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts
Learn how lean management principles are being adopted to improve efficiency and guest satisfaction in the hospitality industry.
4:30 PM
Case Study 6 : Harvesting Efficiency: Bridging Tech and Tradition in Agriculture
Speaker: Mr. Miller Alexander Rajendran,
Co-founder, CEO of SenzAgro Solutions
Discover how precision agriculture techniques are increasing crop yields and reducing waste through data-driven practices in farming.
5.20 PM
Case Study 7: Building cheaper expressways: Value Engineering Through Local Adaptations
Speaker: Eng. Dhammika Deshapriya Silva
General Manager and Head of Structural Designs at Access Engineering PLC
Insights into innovative design and construction practices that are driving down infrastructure costs while maintaining quality and efficiency.
6.10 PM
Final Thoughts and Closing remarks
Get your Ticket
Full Event Access
LKR20,000
Includes access to the full conference spanning both days, providing a comprehensive experience.
Single Day Access
LKR15,000
Grants access to a single day of the conference, ideal for those with limited availability.
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Reach us Get Directions to the Venue
Lotus Hall, BMICH, Colombo 0070
Bauddhaloka Mawatha,
Colombo 00700
Tickets info
Name: Arthana
Phone: +94 76 391 9193
Email: arthana@advocata.org
Programme Details
Name: Naomi
Phone: +94 76 401 7861
Email: naomi@advocata.org
Day 1
22nd January (Wednesday)
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Day 2
23rd January (Thursday)
8:00AM - 6:10PM
Get Directions
Contact us
Name: Dinesh
Phone: +94 77 329 6996
Email: dinesh@advocata.org
