Exploring big ideas in development economics: An interview with Ranil Dissanayake

This interview, featured on Probably Good, presents the career journey of Ranil Dissanayake, a Senior Fellow at the Center for Global Development.

Spanning over 15 years in international development policy-making, Dissanayake shares his experiences navigating the complex world of development economics, his reflections on creating impact through his work, and his advice for those pursuing a career in this field. Though Ranil is coming from the viewpoint of a Development Economist, this career path overlaps with roles in evaluation that focus on policy and international development.

Dissanayake discusses how his background, including his education in development economics, gave him the foundation to work in various policy roles in international development. His early experiences in places including Malawi and Zanzibar taught him how to handle real-world development challenges.

He highlights several key skills for success in development economics, including strong writing and communication skills. He explains that being able to clearly communicate complex ideas and policy recommendations is crucial, especially when working with governments and international agencies. Good writing skills help convey findings effectively, while strong communication fosters collaboration and engagement with stakeholders.

Dissanayake recommends improving these skills through practical experiences, such as writing reports, policy briefs, and proposals. Regular feedback from mentors and colleagues helps refine clarity and precision in writing. Active participation in discussions with diverse teams is also essential for honing communication skills.

He also stresses the importance of intellectual flexibility and being able to think critically and creatively. His career journey highlights how collaborating with mentors and engaging in discussions played a pivotal role in his intellectual (and career) development, encouraging him to think beyond traditional approaches and innovate within the field.