Thilina Panduwawala
Head of Economic Research

Thilina Panduwawala is Head of Economic Research at Frontier Research. He returned to Frontier in 2022 after an 18-month stint at the ADB as a consultant to its Sri Lanka Resident Mission. Prior to this in his previous four years at Frontier, Thilina led work in embedding politics into Frontier’s economic analysis and was able to provide fresh perspectives on the interactions between them, which have become an integral part of Frontier’s approach.
Thilina also currently functions as the alternate member to Frontier’s CEO on the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce Steering Committee on Economic Policy.
All Media Appearances

Kaleidoscope News Capsule on Stagflation
22-8-28
With global growth slowing and inflation rising, the risk of stagflation especially on crisis-ridden countries like Sri Lanka is high. Frontier Research's Thilina Panduwawala spells out the risks on Kaleidoscope News Capsule.

China’s role in Sri Lanka’s debt situation
22-6-13
While Sri Lanka’s debt obligations to China have often been misinterpreted, the fact remains that China is Sri Lanka’s largest bi-lateral creditor. For this very reason, China plays a key role in Sri Lanka’s debt restructuring process.

Independent Economists present ‘Emergency Plan’ to address crisis in SL
22-4-20
The independent group of economists highlight that macroeconomics risks will continue to worsen if immediate action is not taken. Therefore the group of economists urge the government to take the necessary steps to achieve this outcome immediately.

Sri Lanka central bank holds rates steady
22-8-18
“Given the dynamic crisis situation, going ahead it will be important to see if these initial signs of stabilisation continue in the positive direction the CBSL foresees, supported by progress on the IMF and debt restructuring negotiations,”

The Impact of the Economic Crisis on Sri Lankan Exporters.
22-5-5
The Impact of the Economic Crisis on Sri Lankan Exporters. Watch the full discussion with Thilina Panduwawala, Prasanna Pinto and Naqiya Shiraz.

CA SL webinar
22-3-28
CA Sri Lanka Panel Discussion on Currency Depreciation and its Impact on Sri Lanka

Pakistan, Sri Lanka debt crises threaten Beijing's regional influence
22-8-10
Thilina Panduwawala, head of economic research at Frontier Research, a Colombo-based consultancy said domestic political considerations have driven most of this infrastructure growth, and “the country is paying a price for (this) political rush.”

Emergency Plan For The Economy: Where Are We Now? | Advocata Institute
22-5-5
Emergency Plan For The Economy: Where Are We Now?

Sri Lanka devalues rupee, seen as step towards getting IMF help
22-3-8
"Currency flexibility is something IMF will see as a pre-condition to a program, so it makes future negotiations with them easier," Thilina Panduwawala, Head of Economic Research at Frontier Research said.