Marking five decades of contribution to national economic dialogue, People’s Bank ceremoniously relaunched its flagship publication, the Economic Review, on July 31 at the People’s Bank Staff Training College, Colombo 05. The event commemorated the magazine’s enduring legacy while unveiling a revitalised editorial vision and expanded digital presence.

The ceremony was graced by Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma, Secretary to the Treasury and Ministry of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development, who attended as Chief Guest. Joining him were People’s Bank Chairman, Prof. Narada Fernando, Director Bradley Emerson, CEO/General Manager Clive Fonseka, DGM – Payments & Cards / DGM (Acting) – Strategic Planning Nilmini Premalal, along with senior members of the Bank’s corporate and executive management teams, distinguished academics, and Prof. Ruwani Fernando, the newly appointed Editor-in-Chief of the magazine. The magazine was reviewed by Prof. Kaushalya Yatigammana, adding academic depth.

First published in 1975 by the Bank’s Research Department, Economic Review was envisioned as a multidisciplinary platform to promote informed, accessible, and contextually grounded discussion on key national and regional economic issues. It responded to a growing need for credible economic analysis and commentary, engaging a broad readership that includes students, academics, researchers, policymakers, and development professionals.

The publication has remained committed to its founding mission: advancing public understanding of economic development through analytical depth, balanced perspectives, and knowledge dissemination in all three national languages—Sinhala, Tamil, and English. With a rich archival catalogue, the magazine has become a vital source for socio-economic research and policy reflection in post-independence Sri Lanka.

The relaunch marks both a moment of introspection and a forward-looking shift. As global and domestic economies undergo profound changes—from climate volatility and digital transformation to evolving monetary systems and inclusive finance—the need for a credible, interdisciplinary forum for economic thought has never been greater.

A key feature of the relaunch is the magazine’s availability in both print and digital formats. Adopting a digital-first publishing model will significantly broaden its reach, remove institutional access barriers, and ensure greater engagement across a wider spectrum of readers. The new online platform will also house a searchable archive of back issues, preserving five decades of economic insight.

The relaunched edition, themed “Unlocking SME Potential through Digital Transformation,” offers 52 pages of curated content, that examine the vital role of small and medium enterprises in Sri Lanka’s evolving digital economy.

Published biannually as a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative by People’s Bank, Economic Review is coordinated by the Bank’s Strategic Planning, Performance Management, and Research Department. The magazine is freely accessible via the official website: www.peoplesbank.lk.