Professor R. A. Seetha P. Bandara officially assumed duties as the Head of the Department of Economics, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, on 6^th April 2026 at the Department premises. Effective from 25th March 2026, this well-deserved appointment reflects her distinguished academic career, exceptional leadership, and unwavering commitment to higher education and research.

Professor Bandara is a respected scholar in the field of economics, with extensive expertise in poverty, migration, trade liberalization, and economic modeling. A proud alumna of the University of Kelaniya, she graduated with First Class Honours in Economics and went on to achieve numerous academic milestones, including postgraduate qualifications in Social Statistics and Economics, an MA in International Relations from Waseda University, Japan, and a PhD in Economics from the University of Waikato, New Zealand. Her academic journey reflects a deep commitment to intellectual excellence and global academic engagement.

Throughout her career, Professor Bandara has played a vital role in academic leadership and institutional development. She has served as Coordinator of the MA/MSSc Economics Program, Deputy Director of Training at the Centre for Distance and Continuing Education, and contributed significantly to curriculum development within the Faculty of Social Sciences. Her research contributions, particularly in poverty analysis, labour migration, and economic policy have enriched both academic scholarship and policy discourse in Sri Lanka.

Beyond the university, she has provided national-level leadership through her service as Chairperson of the Sri Lanka Foundation and as a Board Member of several key institutions, including the National Education Commission, Consumer Affairs Authority, Lakshman Kadirgamar Institute, and the National Institute of Labour Studies. These roles reflect her broader commitment to national development and evidence-based policymaking.

Professor Bandara’s assumption of duties as Head of the Department of Economics marks an important milestone for the department. Her academic excellence, administrative experience, and inclusive leadership will undoubtedly strengthen research culture, enhance academic standards, and guide the department toward new achievements. Her dedication, professionalism, and vision will inspire both staff and students alike.

The ceremony was graced by the presence of Professor Sunanda Madduma Bandara, former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Kelaniya; Senior Professor A. W. K. Wasantha Subasinghe, Acting Vice-Chancellor of the Gampaha Wickramarachchi University of Indigenous Medicine; Professor Chaminda Abyesinghe, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences; Professor Jeewantha Premaratne, Dean of the Faculty of Science; Mr K. K. K. Dharmathilaka, Registrar of the University; Ms U. T. M. I. D. Tennakoon, Bursar; Heads of the Departments of the Faculty of Social Sciences; and the academic staff members of the University.