Dr. Chinthani Rathnayake

Dr. Chinthani Rathnayake

Economist

Chinthani is an agricultural economist specialising in social benefit–cost analysis, agricultural value chain analysis, interview design and implementation, farm management decisions and modelling of agricultural and food industries for policy analysis in Australia and developing countries. Her recent work includes conducting social benefit–cost analyses of conventional and enhanced‑efficiency nitrogen fertiliser use in the Australian cotton and sugarcane industries as part of an ARC‑funded project. Her modelling experience includes developing and refining Equilibrium Displacement Models for agricultural industries in Australia and Sri Lanka, assessing welfare impacts arising from exogenous shocks across markets along the value chain and wider industry. Chinthani has presented her research to national and international audiences and has published in peer‑reviewed journals. Based in Melbourne, Chinthani also works as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow on ARC and ACIAR projects at the University of Melbourne. She holds a PhD in Agricultural Economics from the University of Melbourne and a BSc (Honours) in Agricultural Technology and Management from the University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka. When she’s not immersed in research, she can be found travelling—seeking out new landscapes, cultures, and food experiences.