Sri Lanka’s economic crisis and beyond: A panel discussion

Join us for a talk that will explores the complex aftermath of Sri Lanka's 2022 debt default, including the IMF's role, international intervention, and its implication for both political stability and economic development within Sri Lanka.

This session explores the aftermath of Sri Lanka’s historic default on foreign debt in April 2022, which triggered a severe economic downturn and political upheaval, culminating in a mass protest movement, Aragalaya leading to the ousting of then-President Gotabaya Rajapakse. It focuses in particular on the international response, including the IMF bailout, and its implications for both political stability and economic development within Sri Lanka. 

The talk and subsequent discussion aims to delve into the complexities of the economic crisis, whilst positioning it within the wider of experiences of other countries facing similar challenges, including navigating debt restructuring negotiations and addressing deadlock situations.

• Dr. Nishan de Mel (presenter)
• Prof Mushtaq Khan (discussant)
• Prof Jonathan Goodhand (chair)

About the speakers

Dr. Nishan de Mel is senior economist with extensive academic and policy experience. Nishan completed his undergraduate studies at Harvard University and pursued his masters and PhD at the University of Oxford, where he also lectured in economics for four years. Currently, he serves as the Executive Director and Head of Research at Verité Research, a prominent think tank offering research and advisory services on Sri Lankan and Asian policy and societal issues. 

Additionally, Nishan plays a pivotal role in shaping policy through his involvement in several Presidential Task Forces and National Steering Committees in Sri Lanka. Throughout his career, Nishan has held leadership positions in several institutions, and his influence extends into the private sector, where he sits on multiple boards in the finance, insurance, and technology sectors.

Prof. Mushtaq Khan is a Professor of Economics at SOAS, he is also head of the FCDO funded Anti Corruption Evidence Research Consortium (SOAS-ACE) and joint head of the FCDO Yale University Research and Evidence on Nepal’s Transition (RENT), working with the British Embassy in Nepal.  He is a leading thinker on political settlements, effective policy implementation, governance, industrial policy, institutional economies, political economy and ant- corruption.

Image credit: Shane Kurera via unsplash