Guest Lecture by Mr. Dhananath Fernando
The Department of Commerce, Faculty of Management Studies and Commerce, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, conducted another guest lecture under the course COM 3370 – International Trade and Economic Relations for the B.Com (Hons) Year III undergraduates on 11th March 2026. This session was delivered by Mr. Dhananath Fernando, Chief Executive Officer of the Advocata Institute, who shared important contemporary perspectives on the broader global forces shaping trade and economic relations.
His lecture centered on the geopolitical context and its impact on international trade and economic relations. The session particularly emphasized how global political developments, regional tensions, and policy shifts influence international trade flows and affect the economic position of Sri Lanka. By linking geopolitical developments with trade outcomes, the lecture enabled students to understand that international trade is shaped not only by markets and business decisions, but also by diplomacy, political strategy, institutional changes, and international power dynamics.
A key strength of the session was its ability to explain the close interrelationship between geopolitics and international trade in a clear and practical manner. Mr. Dhananath Fernando helped students appreciate how complex global developments translate into actual trade and policy consequences for countries such as Sri Lanka. His discussion enriched students’ understanding of contemporary international economic relations by showing how shifts in the global political environment can affect trade opportunities, economic stability, and national policy responses.
The session was highly interactive and intellectually stimulating, offering students an opportunity to engage with real-world issues beyond textbook knowledge. By relating current global developments to practical trade and policy concerns, the lecture broadened students’ perspectives and deepened their understanding of the dynamic nature of international economic relations. It was a timely and valuable addition to the academic programme, further strengthening the Department’s efforts to provide students with relevant and practice-oriented learning experiences.
