Gertrude Hewapathirana will speak about the complexities of current political and economic trends, as well as the promise that tourism may present in Sri Lanka.

She has worked for many years to assist poor rural women, unemployed youth and small- business communities in Sri Lanka. Currently she is designing a global business network for small-business communities to develop international business relationships between Sri Lanka and Minnesota.

From 1990-2000 Ms. Hewapathirna was director of Business Management Bureau Lanka and prior to that deputy director of the Sri Lanka Business Development Center. She is currently pursuing a doctorate in Work Community and Family Education at the University of Minnesota.

Please note: MIC's World Chats are now being held on the fourth Wednesday of each month (except for November and December when they will meet on November 17 and December 15.)