Economist Deshal de Mel is to deliver the first talk on the Advocata Institute's series of public lectures on the broad theme of "What's wrong with Sri Lanka's economy (And how to Fix it)".    In this first talk Deshal will take an overall look at the issues in the macroeconomic picture and suggest possible reforms on how to remedy it.

Who is Deshal de Mel?

Deshal de Mel is an economist who at present works for the Hayleys Group. Prior to joining Hayleys, Mr. de Mel worked for the Institute of Policy Studies of Sri Lanka. Mr. de Mel’s research has been published in a number of books and journals. Along with policy research, Mr. de Mel also represented the Government of Sri Lanka in inter-governmental trade negotiations. 

Mr. de Mel has a degree in Philosophy, Political Science and Economics from the University of Oxford and completed his Masters in International Political Economy at the London School of Economics.

Mr. de Mel serves on the Board of Directors of Sampath Bank PLC as a Non-Executive Director. He is also a Non-Executive Director of SC Securities (Pvt Ltd). He is a member of the Board of Directors of the Centre for Poverty Analysis (CEPA). He also serves on the Economic Policy Committee of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce.