Senior Economist

Senior Economist – Central Bank of Sri Lanka

Job Overview

The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) is inviting applications from highly qualified and experienced professionals for the position of Senior Economist in the Economic Research Department. Vacancies are available in both the Money and Banking, Balance of Payments & Real Sector Divisions and the Modelling and Forecasting Division. This is an excellent opportunity for economists with strong analytical, research, and policy development expertise to contribute to national economic policymaking and macroeconomic research.

Position Details

Job Title: Senior Economist

Company: Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL)

Department: Economic Research Department

Divisions:

• Money and Banking, Balance of Payments & Real Sector Divisions
• Modelling and Forecasting Division

Job Location: Colombo District, Sri Lanka

Employment Type: Permanent (Subject to Successful Completion of Probation)

Industry: Government / Central Banking / Economics

Experience: Minimum 5 Years

Education: Master’s Degree and Bachelor’s Degree in Relevant Fields

Application Deadline: 23 August 2026

Job Category:

• Government Jobs
• Accounting & Finance

Company Overview

The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) is the country’s apex monetary authority responsible for maintaining monetary and financial system stability while supporting sustainable economic growth. Through its Economic Research Department, the Bank conducts policy-oriented research, macroeconomic analysis, statistical publications, and economic forecasting to support evidence-based policymaking. CBSL offers professionals the opportunity to contribute directly to national economic development while working in a highly respected public institution.

Qualifications & Experience

• A Master’s Degree specializing in Economics or a related field from a globally recognized university ranked between 1–500 under ARWU, QS World University Rankings, or Times Higher Education World University Rankings at the time of application.

AND

• A Bachelor’s Degree (minimum three years) with at least:
  • Second Class (Upper Division); or
  • Minimum GPA of 3.5 out of 4.0; or
  • Minimum Weighted Average Marks (WAM) of 75%,

  in one of the following disciplines:

  • Economics
  • Statistics / Mathematics
  • Engineering
  • Computer Science / Information Technology / Data Science
  • Accounting / Banking / Finance
  • Commerce / Management / Business Administration
  • Public Policy
• Minimum 5 years of relevant post-Bachelor’s degree work experience.
• Up to 3 years of full-time postgraduate studies may be considered when calculating the required experience.

Key Responsibilities

Money and Banking, Balance of Payments & Real Sector Divisions

• Conduct economic research, monetary policy analysis, and technical studies on macroeconomic, monetary, financial, external sector, and real sector developments.
• Analyse and interpret economic and statistical data while maintaining analytical databases, models, and forecasting tools.
• Prepare policy briefs, analytical reports, presentations, and research publications for senior management and policymakers.
• Compile, publish, and disseminate economic statistics and research findings.
• Coordinate with government agencies, financial institutions, international organizations, and other stakeholders.
• Represent CBSL in technical committees, working groups, training programmes, and collaborative research initiatives.
• Mentor junior staff and contribute to capacity building within the department.

Modelling and Forecasting Division

• Develop, refine, and apply structural, semi-structural, and econometric macroeconomic forecasting models, including DSGE models.
• Produce macroeconomic forecasts and policy recommendations based on scenario analysis and risk assessments.
• Conduct policy-oriented research and contribute to reports, publications, and analytical outputs.
• Support evidence-based monetary policy formulation through advanced modelling techniques.
• Present research findings and policy recommendations to senior management and policymakers.

Required Skills

• Strong analytical and quantitative research skills.
• Excellent macroeconomic analysis and policy evaluation capabilities.
• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively under pressure.
• Strong report writing and presentation skills.
• High attention to detail and critical thinking abilities.

Additional skills for the Modelling and Forecasting Division:

• Proficiency in macroeconomic modelling techniques.
• Experience with MATLAB, EViews, IRIS, Dynare, and related analytical software.
• Strong understanding of macroeconomic linkages and forecasting methodologies.

Salary & Benefits

• Attractive salary in accordance with the CBSL salary scale.
• Provident Fund and Employees’ Trust Fund benefits.
• Medical benefits scheme.
• Staff loan facilities.
• Pension benefits.
• Professional training and career development opportunities.
• Opportunity for confirmation in the permanent cadre upon successful completion of the probation period.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit their applications through the official Central Bank of Sri Lanka Careers Portal.

Please ensure your application is submitted on or before 23 August 2026.

Applicants are required to upload scanned copies of educational and professional qualifications, service experience documents, published research work (where applicable), and any other documents supporting their eligibility.

Important Notes

• Application Deadline: 23 August 2026.
• Applicants must be 35 years of age or below as of 23 August 2026.
• Successful candidates will initially be attached to the Economic Research Department and may subsequently be rotated to other departments based on organizational requirements.
• A two-year probation period applies before confirmation to the permanent cadre.
• Selection may include profiling assessments, technical skill assessments, and interviews.
• Any form of canvassing will result in disqualification.
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for the next stage of the recruitment process.