Prof. Prasanna Perera holds a BA (Honours – First Class) in Economics from the University of Peradeniya, a MA (Thammasat, Thailand) and a PhD in Economics (University of London and University of Peradeniya). Prof. Prasanna has nearly 25 years of teaching experience in the University of Peradeniya and currently serves as a Professor in Economics. Presently, he is teaching courses related to International Trade Theories and Economics of Conflicts at the University of Peradeniya. His research focuses on the areas of international finance, monetary economics, political economy, macroeconomics and forecasting. Prof. Prasanna Perera is an eminent economist who has received numerous awards including the Common Wealth Doctoral Scholarship, Kodikara Award, GateMudliyar A. G. Tillekaratne Research Fellowship and Imai Memorial Scholarship. Prof. Prasanna served as the lead researcher for the Next Generation Sri Lanka (2019), as part of the Next Generation Global Research Series on youth conducted by the British Council. Most recently, he directed the Pulse Survey 2020 of the British Council, which revisited findings from the Next Generation research as well as new issues related to youth in Sri Lanka. He has a wide range of journal publications such as Tea Smallholders in Sri Lanka: Issues and Challenges in Remote Areas; Political Economy of Post war Sri Lanka; Forecasting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in Sri Lanka; Modelling and Forecasting Foreign Direct Investment for SAARC Countries; Tourism Economics in Sri Lanka: An Econometric Analysis and an Analysis on Foreign Direct Investment, External Trade and Economic Growth in Sri Lanka. He has also authored the following books: International Economics; Overview of Sri Lanka’s Trade Initiatives: Theory and Practice; Background to South Asian Countries; Challenges and Opportunities in the Economy of Sri Lanka and South Asia in Regional Economic Co-operation. Prof. Prasanna has held many significant positions with national and international institutions. He was a consultant to the Government Trade Negotiations for the Sri Lanka Trade Development Project, appointed by the World Trade Organization, International Trade Centre, UNCTAD and a member of the Committee of Experts to Formulate the National Sustainable Development Vision of Sri Lanka, 2030. In 2002, he prepared the policy document on Globalisation and Youth in Sri Lanka for the National Youth Council, Sri Lanka. Other responsibilities held by Prof. Prasanna include the position of Managing Director at the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation, Vice Chairman, Sri Lanka Ports Authority, Vice Chairman and the Executive Director of the Civil Aviation Authority, Sri Lanka.
