SHARING EXPERTISE
Since its launch in 2009, APSL’s “Ask the Expert” series has provided a platform for
members and the general public to benefit from the knowledge of experts in their
respective fields. The event series is designed to make specialised knowledge accessible,
with experts breaking down complex topics into clear, relatable discussions. Held three
times a year, these sessions cover diverse areas including economics, law, medicine,
engineering, and business.
ENGAGING DISCUSSIONS
Each event features one or more
professionals discussing contemporary and
relevant topics in their field. These
discussions are crafted to be easily
understood by a wide audience, ensuring
that the content remains practical and
applicable to everyday life. The series not
only fosters learning but also highlights
emerging trends and developments across
various sectors.
IDEA EXCHANGE
A key feature of the “Ask the Expert” series is its interactive nature. Attendees are
encouraged to ask questions, share their thoughts, and engage in meaningful
discussions with the experts. This creates a vibrant forum for exchanging ideas,
allowing participants to gain deeper insights and apply them in their professional or
personal lives. APSL is proud to continue this initiative, connecting the community
with expertise and knowledge across a wide range of fields.
The new paradigm of macro economic policy framework in Sri Lanka (01 March 2025)
Following the recent economic downturn in Sri Lanka, significant policy instruments were introduced including legislative enactments such as the Central Bank Act of 2023 and Public Finance Management Act of 2024. Such policy level changes have profound impacts on government fiscal policies and operations as well as on the role of central bank as the key monetary policy management institution of the country. This webinar provided the opportunity to gain an awareness, as well as insights in relation to the above policy instruments and in particular their impacts on macro economic management of Sri Lanka.
Speaker:
Dr. Indrajit Coomaraswamy possesses over 40 years of experience in policy making and providing economic advisory services on both macroeconomic and structural issues at national and inter-governmental levels. He has worked in the Economic Research, Statistics and Bank Supervision Departments at the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (1974-89) and seconded to Ministry of Finance and Planning. Director, Economic Affairs Division, Deputy-Director, Secretary-General’s Office, and as Interim Director, Social Transformation Programme Division at the Commonwealth Secretariat London from 1989-2008. He obtained his B.A. (Hons) University of Cambridge and D.Phil. from University of Sussex. Led Sri Lanka National Rugby team and played First Class Cricket. “Sri Lankan of the Year 2016“ (LMD). “Central Bank Governor of the Year for South Asia 2017” (Euromoney). Awarded Sri Lankan national honour of “Deshamanaya” in August 2019.
Covid 19 – Testing, Treatments and Vaccines (25th July 2020)
The first joint webinar by the APSL and the Sri Lankan Professionals Association in the United Arab Emirates (SLPA-UAE) for the benefit of Sri Lankan community in the UK, UAE and Sri Lanka held on Saturday 25h July 2020. The webinar was delivered by Professor Sir Sabaratnam Arulkumaran and moderated by the APSL President Dr. Mahesh de Silva..
Post Covid-19 Economic Vision for Sri Lanka
Post Covid-19 Economic Vision for Sri Lanka by Dr. Indrajit Coomaraswamy and moderated by APSL President Dr. Mahesh de Silva
Post Covid-19 Employment Challenge
Post Covid-19 Employment Challenges interview is with the APSL past President, Solicitor and business director Mr. Rohan de Alwis. The interview is hosted by the APSL Vice President – Professional Development Mr. Tariq Salih.
Ask the Accountant event
The fifth “Ask the Expert” series event “Ask the Accountant” was held at the Sri Lanka High Commission in London on Saturday 30th January 2010 with a full audience. Three very relevant presentations were made by our member-speakers, specialist professionals in their chosen subjects. Mishantha Liyanage, an Independent Financial Adviser presented on the “aspects that should be taken into account when managing finance/tax in small businesses”; Lushani Kodituwakku, Director of Strategic Intelligence at Grant Thornton focused on “the external market dynamics to help a business survive the recession and become more competitive”. Rohan de Alwis, a Solicitor and Company Director of a number of active companies provided “food for thought” on “successful personal investing”. Suraj Wijendra (Financial Controller at Marks & Spencer) chaired this event assisted by Sanjaya Kodituwakku (Financial Accountant at UKBA). This event was mostly beneficial to people who ran their own businesses and for those who were planning to form their own companies and looking into investing opportunities in the United Kingdom. This was reflected at the very enlightening questions and answer session, which followed the presentations. All the above presentations are available in the APSL web site. It is planned to continue this series in the coming year and we would welcome any particular themes/topics from the members for future “Ask the Expert” series events.
Ask the Diplomat Event – 10th July 2010
‘Ask the Diplomat Event’ was held at the Sri Lankan High Commission, London on Saturday, 10th July 2010 at 6.00 pm. The event was well attended with a house full of delegates from the Sri Lankan Diaspora as well as their local friends and counterparts. Prof IM Dharmadasa, President, APSL welcoming the speakers and the delegates. He briefly outlined the history of the APSL, its aims and activities and events conducted to-date under the Ask the Expert Series. The panel of speakers consisted of Mr. P. M. Amza, Deputy High Commissioner, Mr. S. Ekanayake, Minister, Mrs. S. Wijeratne, Minister (Commercial) and Mr. M.R.K. Lenagala, Minister Counsellor (Political) and was facilitated by Dr Andrew Nayagam, Immediate Past President of the APSL
Mr Amza’s topic was Diplomatic Relations – The concept and its implementation. -: An overview. The speaker’s rigorous diplomatic training and years of experience in the field came across during the speech. Mr Amza treated the audience to the development of international diplomatic relations, Geneva Convention, Diplomatic rights, obligations and immunity using practical examples. Speaking about the Functions of Diplomatic Missions with special reference to Sri Lanka High Commission in London, Mr. Ekanayake outlined the many different services provided by the mission both for the benefit of the Sri Lankan Diaspora in UK such as registration of births, marriages and deaths, issuing new Sri Lankan passports and paying pensions for the Sri Lankans now living in the UK. Mrs. Wijeratne outlined the country’s development priorities and the different initiatives being taken to promote investment and trade in Sri Lanka. She also mentioned that her trade division is there to assist anyone who would like to open business relations with Sri Lankan counterparts. Under ‘Sri Lanka UK Political Relations’ Mr.Lenagala outlined the historical ties between the two countries going back centuries. He referred to the ethnic conflict and the effect it had on the relationship in the recent past and the steps being taken to strengthen the ties.
Ask the Ayurvedic Doctors – 18th September 2020
Ask the Ayurvedic Doctors event APSL added yet another dimension to the “Ask the Expert” Series on 18 September at the Sri Lanka High Commission by hosting the “Ask the Ayurvedic Doctors”. The response from both the members, as well as non Member Sri Lankans was high. Dr Palitha Serasinghe of the Ayurvedic Training College of the University of Middlesex (formerly the Principal of the Ayurvedic College in Sri Lanka) lead the highly knowledgeable and experienced Panel of Ayurvedic Experts consisting of Dr V. Joshi and Dr Shantha Godagama. Main themes of the Experts were to compare the medicinal and medical developments of the Eastern world with the scientific discoveries on similar issues in the West. Dr Serasinghe highlighted the fact that in Ayurveda, the root cause of the medical problem was attended to by the medical practitioner, while in Western medicine the symptoms were primarily treated by medicines. Thus Eastern medicine always took more time to show signs of recovery to the patient. Dr Joshi, an Indian Ayurveda Practitioner who has worked as a Consultant at the Ayurvedic College in Sri Lanka, who is now a Practitioner in the U.K. spoke on the benefits of taking natural herb based medicines and food to help reduce the ageing process of human beings. Dr Joshi mentioned for example of eating fresh vegetables, fruits and also taking herbal supplements such as Tripala to help reduce weight and keep the digestive systems in good working order. Aralu, Bulu, Nlli had a magical medicinal impact on the human body to ensure the balances of wata, pita etc. Dr Godagama also the author of a number of books on Ayurveda spoke on the Management of Chronic Pain and the scientific interest shown and research made into herbal medicines by Western based Scientists. Please visit our website for more information.
Ask the Medical Doctor – 16th March 2013
APSL’s “Ask the Medical Doctor” under the overall continuing theme of “Ask the Expert” took place at the Sri Lanka High Commission on 16th March 2013 President of APSL, Mr Rohan de Alwis delivered the welcome address and referred to the continuing series which was re-launched this year in January initially with “Ask the Lawyer” event. Mr de Alwis made the point that the Sri Lankan community had not only access to professionals within the framework of UK institutions such as the NHS, but now through APSL it has secured access to its own professionals to ask questions and concerns they have within their own comfort zone.
he High Commissioner, Dr. Chris Nonis in his Address to the audience congratulated APSL for having the capability, capacity and the determination to have as many events to interact with the Sri Lankan community on a broad and pluralistic basis and wished his total support to APSL going forward. Dr. Andrew Nayagam, Leader/Chair of APSL’s “Ask the Expert” Series introduced the panel of Speakers. Dr. Marc Dissanayake, General Practitioner & Dermatologist, Enfield, Middlesex, a well known Sri Lankan and medical professional gave an overview of skin problems and then discussed the common skin problems such as eczema, itch, psoriasis, urticaria. Dr. Asanga Fernando, Specialist Registrar in Adult Psychiatry and Clinical Fellow in Medical Education, Maudsley Hospital, London made a very interesting overview of psychiatric problems and spoke of the myths and social exclusions and fears surrounding mental issues. Dr. Shevanthi Nayagam, Specialist Registrar in Gastroenterology, Imperial College, London gave an overview of gastroenterological problems and her experiences both in the UK and overseas as a medical doctor. Dr. Geethika Bandaranayake, Specialist Registrar in Paediatrics, Worthing Hospital presented an overview of childhood problems, and the problems faced by children and adults here in the UK as well as those in Sri Lanka.
The floor was thereafter open to the audience for questions to the Panel and a general discussion took place thereafter. Overall, the guests/attendees were very impressed with the interaction which was followed through over refreshments. The vote of thanks was delivered by Mr. Leslie Dep – General Secretary APSL whereby he thanked the High Commissioner, the Panel of Speakers, Mr. Herath, Minister Cultural at the Sri Lanka High Commission for his co-ordination and support extended to APSL in having the auditorium. Mr. Dep thanked the audience not only for their presence but also for engaging with the Panel and making it an interesting evening.
Ask the IT Guru – 7th March 2009
As part of the APSL’s “Ask the Expert” series “Ask the IT Guru” was held at the Sri Lanka High Commission in London on Saturday 7th March 2009. There was an impressive line up of six speakers making presentations on a range of subjects including “Working with PCs”, “Internet surfing”, “optimising emails” and “Power Point presentations”. Presenters included Mr Mervyn Silva, Rev Prem Frenando and Mr. Mohan Siriwardena. A wide cross section of the Sri Lankan community both young and mature, some highly qualified professionals, took part in the event. However, the majority who benefitted from the IT Guru Event were the private individuals who use personal computers on a day to day basis.
Ask the Lawyer – 26th January 2013
“Ask the Lawyer” Event at Sri Lanka High Commission organised by Association of Professional Sri Lankans, (“APSL”) in association with the Sri Lankan Solicitors Network in the UK (“SLSN”) After a very successful “Ask the Expert” Series held two years ago, APSL re-launched the Series this year with “Ask the Lawyer” on 26th January 2013 at the Sri Lanka High Commission under the patronage of the Sri Lanka High Commissioner, His Excellency Dr. Chris Nonis. Mr. Neville De Silva, the Deputy High Commissioner, Members of the APSL and Members of the Sri Lankan community attended this event. Mr. Rohan de Alwis, President of APSL in his welcome Address explained the purpose of the “Ask the Expert” Series, which was to reach out to the Sri Lankan Community and talk about topics they wanted to know about and to have an open discussion and stated that in the past APSL has conducted several events under the series such as “Ask the Doctor”, “Ask the Lawyer”, “Ask the Accountant”, “Ask the Academics”, “Ask the IT Guru”, “Ask the Ayurvedic Physician” and even “Ask the Diplomat”. He said that the current event “Ask the Lawyer” was being presented in association with Sri Lankan Solicitors Network (www.slsnuk.com), was the first among many “Ask the Expert” Series to follow this year.
Dr. Chris Nonis, the High Commissioner, in his Address expressed his admiration of the work carried out by APSL over the years in many areas including “We Sri Lanka Reconciliation Events” (to help promote harmony and integration within the UK based SL Community), the Young Researchers Symposium (to provide a forum for young Professionals of Sri Lankan origin to present their Papers before an audience of experienced professionals), “Living in the UK” Series (which addresses the issues of young second generation Sri Lankans, as well as that of the first generation parents), all for the benefit of the Sri Lankan community in the UK. He noted that by holding events of this nature and by engaging with people across the community without narrow boundaries, APSL was a significant contributor towards achieving a pluralistic community. Following on, three topics relevant to the community were made by three Solicitors practising in the United Kingdom. APSL President, Mr. Rohan de Alwis, who is a Solicitor started the event with his presentation on “How to start a business in the UK”. He explained the various ways of setting up a business; on your own (sole proprietor), with others as owners (Partnership) and with others as shareholders (Limited Liability Company). He stressed the importance of writing a business plan and also getting the right funding to start the business, the difference between entrepreneurs and businessmen and much more.
He was followed by a detailed Presentation given by Mrs. Daksheenie Abeyewardene, also a Solicitor on “Wills and Probates and Inheritance Tax”. In her presentation, Daksheenie highlighted the importance of writing a will when you are in a good state of mind so that your loved ones will be able to fully benefit with what you have left for them without unnecessary problems and heavy costs. She also mentioned what should be included in a will and the consequences of not writing a will, and also of using the services of a Solicitor. The final presentation was made by Miss. Ruki Pinidiya, a Solicitor, on “Living and working in the United Kingdom” in relation to the current immigration and nationality laws with an overview of the rules applicable for students, business people and skilled workers. Ruki clearly clarified the five tiers of immigration under the current law and gave a detailed analysis of these categories.
During the Question and Answer session it was noted that the majority of the questions were related to the presentation “Wills and Probate” and how to minimise exposure to Inheritance Tax in the UK. The event concluded with the vote of thanks by Mr. Leslie Dep, the General Secretary of APSL. Whilst thanking the presenters for their very informative presentations and also the members and guests for attending the event, he especially thanked His Excellency Dr. Chris Nonis for allowing APSL to use the High Commission premises for this event and also Mr. H.M.K. Herath, Minister Cultural at the High Commission for making all the necessary arrangements.