Discussion event: Social Inclusion and Development in the Global South (Wed 17 May)

04/05/2023

[photo: University of Peradeniya]

Professor Anoma Abhayarathne and Dr. Samanmala Dorabawila (Department of Economics & Statistics, University of Peradeniya) from Sri Lanka are visiting the University of Turku in May. Their aim is to discuss research outcomes and experiences, explore collaboration possibilities, and learn more about modern teaching and learning practices. Abhayarathne and Dorabawila are eager to meet researchers with an interest in development, inclusive education, gender, health, labor, or related areas, especially in economics.

You are welcome to join a discussion event focusing on social inclusion and development! Prof. Abhayarathne and Dr. Dorabawila will highlight their work, particularly in the fields of social inclusion, women, and inclusive education, and focusing on the results of the project “Developing Inclusive Education for Students with Disabilities in Sri Lankan Universities – IncEdu.” However, the open discussion following their presentation allows a variety of topics based on the participants’ interests. These discussions will continue during lunch, which you can join even if you are unable to attend the morning session.

Social Inclusion and Development in the Global South

Wednesday 17 May, Kauppakamari meeting room (2nd floor), Turku School of Economics

10:00 – 10:05: Welcome remarks and introduction, Sidath Alwis
10:05 – 10:45: Social Inclusion and Development in the Global South, Abhayarathne & Dorabawila
10.45–11:30: Open Discussion
11:45: Lunch at PiccuMaccia

Prof. Anoma Abhayaratne is senior professor in Economics and head of the Department of Economics & Statistics at the University of Peradeniya. She received her PhD in Economics and MA in Econometrics from the University of Essex, UK, and her MPhil and BA (Hons) from the University of Peradeniya. During her 38 years of a teaching career at the University, Abhayaratne has served in the administrative positions of Head of the Department of Economics & Statistics and Dean of the Faculty of Arts. Abhayaratne has been a Visiting Professor at the University of Essex, UK, Rouen University, France, University of Malaya, Malaysia and South Asian University, India. She has experience in coordinating international projects and is currently the coordinator of the NORPART project of the University of Peradeniya and the South Eastern University of Norway and the Erasmus+ CBHE project on developing inclusive education. Abhayaratne’s research interests are in the areas of development-related issues including poverty, FDI, social welfare and the empowerment of marginalized persons.

Dr. Samanmala Dorabawila is a senior lecturer in Economics at the Department of Economics & Statistics at the University of Peradeniya. Dorabawila received her M.A. and Ph.D. in Economics from Clark University, MA, USA, and her M. Sc. in Applied Statistics from Postgraduate Institute of Science, University of Peradeniya. Currently, she is the Chair of the Board of Studies on Economics and Management for the Post-graduate Institute of Humanities and Social Science, UOP. Dorabawila has been a Visiting Scholar at American University Washington, D.C, and she has completed the Graduate Certificate on Gender Analysis in Economics. Currently, Dorabawila’s functions as a member of the Erasmus+ CBHE project on Inclusive Education for Students with Disability in Higher Education. Her research interest lies in labor, gender, health, and development economics.