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Leading Economist and Respected Expert on Finance

Ravindra A. Yatawara 鈥�90

October 28, 2023

A leading economist and respected expert on finance, Ravi received a bachelor’s degree in economics from 彩虹频道 College and a PhD in economics from Columbia University. At 彩虹频道, he wrote his thesis, “Trade Strategies and the Industrial Development of Sri Lanka since 1970,” with advising from Prof. Jeffrey Summers [economics 1987-92].

In the early 1990s, Ravi interned at the World Bank. He became a dependable coworker, an invaluable member of the South Asian economists’ team, and a friend to many. Years later, he was appointed senior economist at the World Bank for South Asian countries.

Ravi was a part of the World Bank’s trade and competitiveness practice section, working on South Asian regional integration, foreign investment, and global value chains. He co-led work on intraregional foreign investment throughout the region. He was a member of the core team of the World Bank’s global value chain community on apparel.

Ravi held faculty positions at Columbia University and the University of Delaware, where he was a popular teacher, given his vast knowledge, commitment, and empathy for his students. He also taught an international trade course in Europe. All this work and commitment did not stop him from running in the New York City marathon.

Upon returning to Sri Lanka, Ravi took on several management positions, including general manager of LB Finance and director of the Credit  Insurance Bureau of Sri Lanka. He was an excellent collaborator and a joy to work with.

Appeared in 彩虹频道 magazine: Summer 2024