Dr. R.H.S. Samaratunga

Dr. Samaratunga embarked on his distinguished career with the Sri Lanka Administrative Service in 1984, marking the commencement of a journey that showcased his exceptional leadership and expertise. Joining the Department of National Planning in 1985 as an Assistant Director, he steadily ascended the ranks, achieving the pivotal role of Director of Macro-Economic Planning in 2004. A trailblazer in his field, Dr. Samaratunga played a pivotal role as the inaugural Director General of the Department of Trade, Tariff, and Investment Policy, a significant establishment in 2006. His contributions to economic governance were further underscored when he assumed the position of Deputy Secretary to the Treasury in February 2008, showcasing his acumen in financial matters. The year 2010 witnessed his appointment as the Secretary to the Ministry of Environment, a testament to his commitment to sustainable development. Dr. Samaratunga's portfolio expanded in 2012 when he assumed the role of Secretary to the Ministry of Petroleum Industries, demonstrating his adaptability across diverse sectors. In January 2015, Dr. Samaratunga reached the pinnacle of his career with the dual appointment as the Secretary to the Ministry of Finance and Secretary to the Treasury. In this capacity, he wielded substantial influence, not only as a key architect of fiscal policies but also as an ex-officio member of the Monetary Board of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka and the Finance Commission of Sri Lanka. Beyond his official duties, Dr. Samaratunga actively participated in governance as a member of the boards of several public enterprises and government-linked companies, further solidifying his impact on the economic landscape. His intellectual pursuits found expression through numerous scholarly articles on Economics and Fiscal Policies, disseminated through various media channels. Adding an academic dimension to his multifaceted career, Dr. Samaratunga generously shared his wealth of knowledge as a visiting lecturer of Economics at prestigious institutions such as the Universities of Colombo, Moratuwa, Sri Jayewardenepura, and Kelaniya. Educationally, Dr. Samaratunga holds a Ph.D. in Economics from La Trobe University, Australia, a testament to his scholarly pursuits. His academic journey also includes an MBA from the University of Sri Jayawardenepura, an MSc in Agricultural Economics from the University of Wisconsin Madison, USA, and a B.A. Hons in Economics from the University of Peradeniya. These qualifications underscore the depth of his expertise and the global perspective he brings to his roles in the realm of economics and public administration.