Gamani Corea Foundation (GCF) was set up by the late Dr Gamani Corea on February 10, 2000, as a foundation to take further his passion for development globally, with particular emphasis on Sri Lanka. The GCF is an autonomous non-profit institute that aims to promote development-related economic research, while being open to research from other social sciences, especially from a multi-disciplinary perspective.

Its mission is to contribute to the socio-economic development of Sri Lanka and other low-income and middle-income countries through informed, independent and high-quality research. GCF perceives research as being more than a mere academic exercise; it is primarily a catalyst for the tangible socio-economic transformation of countries and societies.

Sri Lanka Economic Association
https://www.slea.lk/

The Gamani Corea Foundation (GCF) and the Sri Lanka Economic Association (SLEA) held the fifth seminar in their joint research seminar series on 20 August 2026 at Horton Lodge, Colombo 07. Dr. B. M. Sumanaratne and Ms. Anuradha Gamage, Senior Lecturers at the University of Ruhuna, presented findings from a GCF-supported study on the influence of political patronage and clientelism on resource allocation, public spending, and economic disparities across Sri Lanka. The study surveyed 390 members of the public and 360 government officers across 15 districts. Among public respondents, 69.5% believed political patronage worsens economic disparities, while 60.6% of government officers reported observing projects prioritized for political gain. The researchers highlighted the importance of transparent public spending, merit-based recruitment, and need-based resource allocation. Emeritus Professor Sirimevan Colombage, President of SLEA and Honorary Deputy Chairperson of GCF, delivered the opening remarks. Dr. Harsha Aturupane, Honorary Chairperson of GCF, moderated the discussion.

The Sri Lanka Economic Association (SLEA), in collaboration with the Gamani Corea Foundation (GCF), organized a book launch ceremony on 30 July 2026 at the Organization of Professional Associations (OPA), Colombo. The event marked the launch of two publications: Debt Crisis in Sri Lanka: Facts and Fallacies, co-authored by Rev. Prof. Wijitapure Wimalaratana, Professor of Economics at the University of Colombo, and Dr. Mahinda Pushpakumara, Senior Lecturer at the University of Colombo, and 64 Wounds that Crippled the Sri Lankan Economy by Rev. Prof. Wijitapure Wimalaratana. The Sinhala translation of 64 Wounds that Crippled the Sri Lankan Economy was also launched at the ceremony. The event featured a discussion on the key themes explored in the publications, focusing on the causes of Sri Lanka’s economic crisis and the reforms needed to achieve sustainable economic growth. The speakers emphasized the importance of transforming Sri Lanka into an export-oriented economy supported by the rule of law, good governance, and a dynamic private sector. The discussion also highlighted the need for sound economic policies and institutional reforms to strengthen the country’s long-term economic resilience. The programme concluded with an interactive question-and-answer session moderated by Dr. Harsha Aturupane, providing participants with an opportunity to engage with the authors on the issues discussed in the books.

The second Economic Forum, jointly organized by the Gamani Corea Foundation and the Sri Lanka Economic Association, was held on 15 July 2026 at the Lighthouse Auditorium. The forum, titled “Financial Sector Resilience amidst External Shocks: Managing Policy Challenges for Financial Stability,” featured a keynote address by Mr. K. G. P. Sirikumara, Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka. The keynote address was followed by a panel discussion featuring Prof. Priyanga Dunusinghe, Professor of Economics at the University of Colombo; Mr. J. P. R. Karunaratne, Former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka; Mr. Damith Pallewatte, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of HNB; and Mr. Romani De Silva, Deputy Chairman/Managing Director of Alliance Finance Company PLC. The forum examined the resilience of Sri Lanka’s financial sector amid the current global economic and geopolitical volatility, highlighting the challenges posed by external shocks such as geopolitical tensions, natural disasters, and the rapid expansion of digital and online financial transactions. The discussions emphasized the importance of sound regulatory frameworks, forward-looking policy measures, and timely interventions in mitigating emerging risks, safeguarding financial stability, and strengthening the resilience of the financial sector against future uncertainties.