As an economist he worked for theDFCC Bank, becoming its chief economist and treasurer. He was co-founder and Joint Managing Director of The Nielsen Company.
He was placed in charge of "Economic Diplomacy" of the government and was a supporter ofeconomic liberalization and trade agreements. He is a supporter of major trade agreements and is a supporter of Sri Lanka joining theTrans Pacific Partnership.[5][6][7]
He was the main backer of the Indian-aided project to create a modernEMT and Ambulance service in Sri Lanka. When India offered a gift to Sri Lanka in order to mark Prime MinisterRanil Wickremesinghe's visit, De Silva proposed an emergency medical service after personal experiences with shortcomings in the Sri Lankan system as well the urging of doctors. Wickremesinghe also backed it, leading India's GVK Emergency Response Institute to offer training to hundreds of Sri Lankan EMTs and Paramedics as well as donating ambulances and granting 7.5 million dollars to start the service in Colombo and Galle.[8]
De Silva was appointed as aNational ListMember of Parliament on 22 April 2010, serving until 26 June 2015.[9] During this period, he served in the opposition, critiquing the economic policies of theMahinda Rajapaksa administration. He became known for his commentary on economic development and international affairs through media appearances and public discussions.[9]
Deputy Minister of Policy Planning and Economic Development (2015), contributing to the government's initial 100-day program.[9]
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs (9 September 2015 – 31 May 2017), overseeing international economic diplomacy.[9]
State Minister of National Policies and Economic Affairs (10 February 2018 – 26 October 2018), supervising economic policy initiatives.[9]
Minister of Economic Reforms and Public Distribution (21 December 2018 – 18 November 2019), advocating trade liberalisation and integration into international economic frameworks.[9]
A notable achievement was the launch of the Suwa Seriya 1990 national ambulance service in 2016, an India-supported initiative providing free emergency medical transport nationwide. De Silva secured funding, training, and ambulance deployment inColombo andGalle.[9][10]
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15.85
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