Ms. G.D. Chandra Ekanayake

Ms. Ekanayake embarked on her journey in the Sri Lanka Administrative Service in 1984, paving the way for an illustrious career marked by dedication, expertise, and leadership. Her early years saw her as the Assistant Director at the Ministry of Fisheries in 1985, where she began to shape her understanding of the intricate workings of governmental departments. In the Treasury, she held pivotal roles, including Director of Economic Affairs, Controller of Insurance, and Additional Director General of the Department of External Resources. A testament to her capabilities, she ascended to the position of Director General at the Department of Trade, Tariff, and Investment Policy within the Ministry of Finance and Planning in 2008. Her journey continued to scale new heights as she assumed the role of Director General at the Department of National Budget, culminating in her retirement as the Deputy Secretary to the Treasury in 2018. One of Ms. Ekanayake's significant contributions was as the Chief Negotiator for the Government of Sri Lanka during the establishment of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) initiated by the Government of China in April 2015. This role showcased not only her diplomatic finesse but also her ability to navigate complex international negotiations. Beyond her roles in finance, she assumed the position of Chairperson of the Academy of Financial Studies, the training arm of the Ministry of Finance. In this capacity, she played a crucial role in shaping the future generations of financial professionals. Ms. Ekanayake's academic journey is as diverse as her career. Armed with a B. Sc. (Special) Degree in Science from the University of Kelaniya, she further honed her skills with a Postgraduate Diploma in Development Economics from the University of Colombo. Her quest for international perspectives led her to a Postgraduate Diploma in International Affairs from the Bandaranaike Centre for International Studies and a Master of Business Administration from the Postgraduate Institute of Management at the University of Sri Jayewardenepura. Her global outlook was enriched with a Postgraduate Diploma in Development Planning Techniques from the Institute of Social Studies in The Hague, Netherlands. In the tapestry of public service and academia, Ms. Ekanayake emerges as a multifaceted leader, blending expertise, negotiation skills, and a commitment to knowledge. Her journey reflects not only a commitment to excellence but also a dedication to shaping the financial landscape of Sri Lanka and contributing to international initiatives.