The Honors Degree Program in Economics, conducted by the Department of Economics and Statistics seeks to produce Scholars, Innovators, Leaders and Global Citizens in the following manner:

Scholars - Graduates produced by the Department have a broad knowledge base and disciplinary expertise. They are aware of the contemporary research in their field of specialization and able to conduct their own research and investigations. They are excited by ideas, discovery, and learning and are conscientious in their endeavors by analyzing the real world incidences through sophisticated analytical platform to understand the complexities of the worlds they encounter at work and in society.

Innovators - Graduates of the Department have to be with a vision for future and solution focused. They are curious, critical, and creative. They are capable of developing unique and sustainable solutions for the real world problems.

Leaders - Our graduates take personal responsibility and seek opportunities to work with others to advance thinking and achievement in all spheres of their lives. They are confident, inspiring, and influential.

Global Citizens - Graduates who complete our degree program are expected to be able to appreciate the role of the University and are aware of global issues. They act with integrity and fluency across cultures and perspectives, are committed to the betterment of the society, open in their thinking, and appreciative of the riches that diversity and equity bring.

Graduate Capabilities

There are six clusters of generic capabilities, which the Department seeks to foster in all of its graduates through teaching and learning in the respective Honors Degree Programs of study. These, as relevant to the Honors Degree Program in Economics, are:

1. Disciplinary Knowledge & Practice Descriptor 

Descriptor

Graduates are expected to understand the theory and practice in the field of economics and appreciate the role of their discipline in its contexts especially in the policy formulation process. They should appreciate the capacity of their discipline in research

This theme includes the ability to

• demonstrate an advanced knowledge and understanding of the core aspects of the area of study.
• critically analyze data, make judgments and propose solutions to problems.
• construct and sustain arguments use these arguments, ideas, and techniques in problem solving.
• use practical skills and enquiry efficiently within the area of study.
• conduct research in the field of study, operate fluently in the terminology, analytic methods, and practices of Economics.
• understand the wider trends and developments that have shaped the field of study.

2. Critical Thinking

Descriptor

Graduates are expected to be able to contest knowledge and practice, critically consider ideas, texts and research and think reflectively and reflexively.

This theme includes the ability to

• think imaginatively and innovatively.
• evaluate problems from multiple perspectives.
• access information and judge its pertinence.
• introduce new dimensions to existing ones in the domestic environment.
• enrich domestic tools of thinking

3. Solution Seeking

Descriptor

Graduates are expected to be able to apply theory, analysis, research and creative skills to solve problems and make reasoned decisions. They are expected to be able to consider long-term and big picture perspectives, to systematically address complex problems and to be imaginative in their solution seeking,  construct and sustain arguments and use these arguments, ideas and techniques in problem solving for a given situation, consider long-term and big picture perspectives including, where applicable, sustainability and social, economic and environmental impact.

4. Communication & Engagement

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Graduates are expected to be able to receive and interpret information, express ideas and share knowledge with diverse audiences in a range of media and formats. They are expected to be able to establish a rapport and build collaborative relationships with individuals and groups.

This theme includes the ability to

• communicate/present information, ideas, issues and solution efficiently and effectively.
• demonstrate awareness of the current developments in the area of study.
• participate actively in teams and professional networks.
• communicate effectively using ICT skills.
• adapt an artistic, design-based, or discursive style to audience and purpose.
• express ideas effectively in writing, speech, design, image and sound using English, Sinhala and Tamil, appropriately and accurately.
• chart and present data.

5. Independence & Integrity

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Graduates are expected to be able to learn and work autonomously and ethically. They are expected to be lifelong learners, to show resilience, proactively and an ability to make principled decisions in academic and professional spheres.

This theme includes the ability to

• participate in lifelong learning in and beyond their discipline. 
• exhibit resilience, independence and personal autonomy
• demonstrate leadership, personal characteristics and attitudes that are consistent with the ethical behavior.
• understand the academic integrity and the professional ethics within a disciplinary context.
• learn independently and proactively.

6. Social & Environmental Responsibilities

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Graduates are expected to be sensitive to cultural diversity and to embrace difference. Our graduates are expected to recognize a role for themselves in creating a sustainable future and be able to consider the social, cultural, environmental and economic consequences of national and international issues.

This theme includes the ability to

• consider the wider implications of local and global issues.
• adopt sustainability principles and practices.
• demonstrate awareness of sustainability implications of world events
• exercise cultural competence and appreciate diversity.
• participate in community based projects.