Center for Integrated Development Studies

Research

The Institute will initiate its research by examining the social, political, economic, and cultural lives of people in Sri Lanka’s Northern and Eastern Provinces, as well as Tamil-speaking communities nationwide. Its goal is to inform future research through open discussions, academic exchange, and community consultations. Research will focus on four key areas: Education and Inclusion, addressing curriculum and access; Health Policy, examining public health and social medicine; Social and Political Change, covering governance, peacebuilding, and grassroots movements; and Science and Technology, exploring emerging technologies, water challenges, and climate adaptation. These efforts aim to promote inclusive growth and strengthen regional connections across South Asia.

The Center plans to implement several specialized projects and programs, including Data Science for Public Policy, which examines AI governance and data analytics in legislation; Political Economy, with a recent focus on renewable energy initiatives; Alternative Development, which explores grassroots approaches and social dynamics; and Education Research, which addresses policy responses during energy crises and in higher education. This integrated approach connects the economy, environment, law, and culture to support comprehensive development, moving beyond the limitations of traditional single-discipline research.

Research Framework

CIDS research will be guided by five core principles: evidence-based research, community participation, policy relevance, interdisciplinary
collaboration, and knowledge translation and impact.

Research Team Composition

The organization adopts a decentralized, program-focused leadership structure. Research teams function as expert networks centered on specific themes. Each program is led by a Research Principal, who is responsible for guiding research, planning strategies, coordinating support, organizing programs into main clusters, and selecting team members based on the needs of each cluster.

The Research Lead

V.Jeyamurugan,

He is a Rotary Peace Fellow and holds an M.A. in Peace Studies from the International Christian University in Tokyo. He also earned a B.A. in International Affairs and a Higher Diploma in Public Health Management from the National Institute of Health Sciences in Colombo. Additionally, he completed the General Course for Civil Monitors, Observers, and Field Staff at the Folke Bernadotte Academy in Sandö, Sweden. He is an alumnus of the Asian Institute of Management in Manila, Philippines. Most recently, he completed his Ph.D. candidacy in Development Studies at the University of the Philippines. He has worked in Mindanao as the Senior Program Head of the Bangsamoro Civil Society Consortium in the Philippines. He writes regularly on topics such as identity, peace and conflict, and exclusion.

Contact: jeyamurugan@gmail.com

Research Advisors

1. Venthan Kathiramalai
2. Mukunthan Kandiah
3. Jeyasankar Sivagnanam
4. Nalliah Sanjeev

Research Roadmap (2027–2031)

The Center for Integrated Development Studies (CIDS) Five-Year Research Roadmap (2027–2031) provides a strategic framework for evidence-based research addressing Sri Lanka’s key development, governance, environmental, and social challenges, with particular attention to the Northern and Eastern Provinces. The roadmap brings together five interconnected research pillars that promote inclusive governance, economic development, climate resilience, human development, peacebuilding, and social cohesion. Through research, policy engagement, and collaboration with communities and key stakeholders, CIDS aims to generate practical knowledge that contributes to equitable, resilient, and sustainable development across Sri Lanka.

Pillar 1: Inclusive Governance and Democratic Institutions- Sri Lanka Context: Northern and Eastern Provinces and Other Regions

Focus: Inclusive governance is essential for Sri Lanka to resolve conflicts, boost the economy, and address regional gaps. Despite some democratic progress after 2009, inequalities in governance, services, and political involvement persist, especially in the North and East, due to ongoing challenges like land issues, displacement, and militarization. The 13th Amendment provided a devolution framework, but worries about decentralization and capacity remain.

Strengthening local governance and engaging communities are key for building trust and fairness. CIDS will study how to make governance more inclusive and accountable, focusing on improving services for marginalized groups such as women, youth, minorities, and displaced

persons. The focus will be on participatory governance, decentralization, transparency, digital tools, community involvement, peacebuilding, and resource management.

Research Themes: Research Themes include participatory governance, decentralization, local governance, fiscal decentralization, transparency, digital governance, land and resources, social accountability, and participation of women, youth, and minorities, alongside governance for peacebuilding and social cohesion.

Key research Inputs:

1. Discussion Papers on governance reforms, decentralization, local governance, and democratic
2. Policy Briefs offering practical recommendations for Parliament, ministries, Provincial Councils, local authorities, and development partners
3. Governance Index Reports evaluating governance quality, participation, accountability, transparency, institutional effectiveness, and service delivery across provinces and local authorities.
4. Legislative Policy Notes supporting constitutional reforms, devolution, local government legislation, public administration, and governance policies.

Expected Impact: Research under this pillar will boost democratic governance, decentralization, and local governance in Sri Lanka. By providing evidence and fostering dialogue among government, civil society, academia, and communities, CIDS will support policies that improve accountability, strengthen institutions, increase citizen participation, and promote inclusive development. In the Northern and Eastern Provinces, this work will foster sustainable peace, reconciliation, equitable development, and trust between citizens and the state, offering lessons for nationwide reforms.

Pillar 2: Poverty Reduction, Livelihoods, and Inclusive Economic Development – Sri Lanka Context: Northern and Eastern Provinces and Other Regions

Focus: Decades of conflict, climate disasters, COVID-19, and the economic crisis have affected vulnerable communities, harming livelihoods, increasing food insecurity, and limiting access to markets, finance, and assets. Women-headed households, youth, smallholders, fishers, plantation workers, persons with disabilities, and conflict-affected families remain highly vulnerable. The provinces have economic potential in agriculture, fisheries, livestock, tourism, renewable energy, and small enterprises. Yet, limited investment, weak market links, poor infrastructure, and skills gaps hinder growth. Policies supporting sustainable livelihoods, entrepreneurship, decent jobs, climate-resilient production, and equitable opportunities are essential. CIDS will conduct research on poverty reduction and inclusive development, focusing on the Northern and Eastern Provinces. Topics include rural development, agriculture, fisheries, MSMEs, social enterprises, digital entrepreneurship, migration, youth employment, women’s empowerment, financial inclusion, and local economic growth. Emphasis will be on barriers faced by marginalized groups and actionable policy advice. Collaborating with government, civil society, academia, and business, CIDS aims to provide data to inform policies, build resilience, and support livelihood recovery and economic transformation.

Research Themes:

1. Poverty and multidimensional
2. Rural development and local economic
3. Agricultural transformation, fisheries, livestock, and value chain
4. Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and entrepreneurship
5. Social enterprises and cooperative
6. Digital economy, innovation, and digital
7. Labor migration, remittances, and skills
8. Youth employment and
9. Women’s economic empowerment and financial
10. Climate-resilient livelihoods and sustainable natural resource

Key Research Outputs

1. Discussion Papers on poverty, livelihoods, employment, MSME development, and inclusive economic
2. Policy Briefs providing evidence-based recommendations for national ministries, provincial administrations, local authorities, and development partners.
3. Manuals on Social Enterprises covering enterprise development, cooperative management, financial sustainability, market access, and community-based business models.
4. Resource Mapping Reports identifying local economic assets,
5. Livelihood opportunities, value chains, investment potential, and community resources to support evidence-based local development planning

Expected Impact: Research under this pillar will contribute to more inclusive and resilient local economies by informing policies that reduce poverty, expand sustainable livelihood opportunities, strengthen MSMEs and social enterprises, and improve access to markets, finance, technology, and employment. In the Northern and Eastern Provinces, the research will support post-conflict economic recovery, empower women and youth, strengthen rural livelihoods, and promote equitable regional development. The evidence generated will also provide practical guidance for policymakers, development agencies, and local communities seeking to build a more inclusive, competitive, and sustainable economy across Sri Lanka.

Pillar 3: Climate Change, Disaster Risk Reduction, and Community Resilience-Sri Lanka Context: Northern and Eastern Provinces and Other Regions

Focus: Sri Lanka faces increasing risks from climate-related disasters like floods, droughts, cyclones, and coastal erosion. These threats are amplified by environmental damage, urban growth, and socio-economic inequalities, with the Northern and Eastern Provinces being most vulnerable. Disasters threaten essential services and impact vulnerable populations. Building resilience requires integrated efforts such as climate adaptation, disaster risk reduction, ecosystem restoration, and sustainable resource management. Community involvement, early warning systems, and nature-based solutions are key. The Center for Integrated Development Studies (CIDS) will research these issues to help shape effective policies, focusing on effective policies, climate risks, community resilience, and sustainable practices. Through collaboration with various stakeholders, CIDS aims to provide practical insights and support for inclusive, resilient development.

Research Themes:

1. Climate change adaptation and Community resilience and disaster risk reduction.
2. Disaster preparedness, response, and
3. Food security, nutrition, and climate-resilient Water security and integrated water resource management.
4. Nature-based solutions and ecosystem
5. Coastal resilience and marine resource Environmental governance and Sustainable natural resource management.
6. Circular economy, waste management, and green livelihoods

Key Research Outputs

1. Training Manuals on community-based disaster risk reduction, climate adaptation, climate-smart agriculture, environmental management, and resilience planning.
2. Community Mapping Reports identifying climate hazards, vulnerable populations, natural resources, ecosystem services, and local resilience capacities to support evidence-based planning.
3. Situation Reports providing timely assessments of climate-related disasters, environmental risks, humanitarian impacts, and recovery
4. Policy Briefings offering evidence-based recommendations for climate adaptation, disaster risk reduction, environmental governance, and resilience-building at national, provincial, and local levels.

Expected Impact: Research under this pillar will strengthen Sri Lanka’s capacity to anticipate, prepare for, and respond to climate and disaster risks while promoting sustainable environmental management. In the Northern and Eastern Provinces, the research will contribute to protecting climate-sensitive livelihoods, improving food and water security, enhancing community preparedness, and supporting ecosystem restoration. More broadly, the evidence generated by CIDS will inform climate-responsive policies, strengthen local and national resilience, and advance sustainable development through integrated approaches that link environmental protection, disaster risk reduction, and inclusive community development.

Pillar 4: Education, Health, and Human Development-Sri Lanka Context: Regional Development. 

Focus: Sri Lanka’s growth depends heavily on education, health, and human development. Despite improvements in literacy, school enrollment, and healthcare, significant gaps remain, especially in rural, estate, and conflict-affected areas such as the Northern and Eastern Provinces. These regions face ongoing challenges from conflict, poverty, climate shocks, and limited access to services. Recent events,

including COVID-19 and economic difficulties, have heightened risks of learning loss, dropout, mental health issues, malnutrition, and inequality. Digital divides also hinder access to online education and health services, particularly in remote areas.

The Center for Integrated Development Studies (CIDS) will conduct research to inform policies that improve education, health, and human development in these regions. Focus areas include reducing learning poverty, reforming education systems, early childhood development, teacher training, school governance, digital education, strengthening health services, nutrition, mental health, social protection, disability inclusion, and narrowing regional gaps.

CIDS emphasizes addressing barriers faced by vulnerable groups, including children, women, youth, elders, persons with disabilities, and conflict-affected communities. The goal is to create practical policies that promote equity, quality, and resilience. By partnering with government agencies, universities, civil society, and development donors, CIDS seeks to provide evidence for better regional planning, service delivery, and equitable human development across Sri Lanka.

Research Themes:

1. Learning poverty and improving educational outcomes
2. Education reforms and quality of teaching and
3. Early childhood care and
4. School governance, equity, and inclusive
5. Digital education, educational technology, and digital
6. Public health systems and primary
7. Mental health and psychosocial well-
8. Nutrition, maternal and child health, and food

Key Research Outputs:

1. Social protection and support for vulnerable
2. Human development inequalities and regional development
3. Regional Education Policy Briefs providing evidence-based recommendations on education reform, learning recovery, digital education, inclusive education, and school governance.
4. Health Policy Reports examining regional health system performance, public health challenges, nutrition, mental health, and health service delivery.
5. Human Development Monitoring Studies tracking regional disparities in education, health, nutrition, social protection, and overall human development to inform provincial and national policy decisions.

Expected Impact: Research under this pillar will support more equitable and resilient education and health systems across Sri Lanka by providing evidence for improved policies, planning, and resource allocation. At the regional level, the research will help reduce learning poverty, strengthen early childhood development, improve public health and nutrition outcomes, expand access to quality digital education, and enhance social protection for vulnerable populations. By monitoring human development trends and regional disparities, CIDS will contribute to more inclusive public services, stronger human capital, and sustainable development throughout Sri Lanka, with particular benefits for disadvantaged and conflict-affected communities.

Pillar 5: Peacebuilding and Social Cohesion-Sri Lanka Context: Northern and Eastern Provinces and Beyond

Focus: Even over ten years after Sri Lanka’s conflict, lasting peace remains difficult. Though violence is down, ethnic tensions, land disputes, grievances, and mistrust between communities and authorities persist, especially in the North and East. The recent economic crisis highlights the need for social trust, inclusive governance, and resilience. Building sustainable peace requires inclusive institutions, fair development, respect for diversity, citizen participation, and dialogue. It’s vital to include women, youth, minorities, and conflict-affected groups in peace efforts. To support this, the Center for Integrated Development Studies (CIDS) will research conflict resolution, justice, reconciliation, social

inclusion, gender equality, youth leadership, community dialogue, local peace initiatives, and governance. CIDS will collaborate with universities, civil society, government, religious leaders, youth, women, and international organizations to develop evidence-based strategies and learn from successful post-conflict practices in other countries.

Research Themes:

1. Conflict transformation and
2. Transitional justice, reconciliation, and social
3. Identity, diversity, inclusion, and multicultural
4. Gender equality, Women, Peace and Security (WPS), and women’s
5. Youth leadership, civic engagement, and
6. Community dialogue and local peace infrastructures
7. Social cohesion, trust-building, and inter-community
8. Peace-sensitive governance and inclusive
9. Memory, reconciliation, and non-recurrence of
10. Comparative peacebuilding experiences and regional cooperation

Key Research Outputs:

1. Discussion Papers on conflict transformation, reconciliation, identity, social cohesion, and peacebuilding
2. Policy Briefs providing evidence-based recommendations for
3. Practical Policy Recommendations and Guidance Notes to support national and local initiatives on reconciliation, transitional justice, social cohesion, gender equality, and youth participation in peacebuilding.
4. Peace and Social Cohesion Assessments documenting community perceptions, conflict dynamics, and opportunities for strengthening peaceful coexistence.

Expected Impact: Research under this pillar will contribute to stronger social cohesion, inclusive governance, and sustainable peace in Sri Lanka by providing practical, evidence-based recommendations for policymakers, civil society, and local communities. In the Northern and Eastern Provinces, the research will support reconciliation, strengthen community dialogue, promote the meaningful participation of women and youth, and help address the underlying causes of conflict through inclusive and rights-based approaches. Beyond Sri Lanka, CIDS aims to contribute to regional and international knowledge on peacebuilding by sharing lessons and policy innovations from post-conflict contexts, reinforcing its role as a regional center for research on conflict transformation, reconciliation, and inclusive development.

Cross-Cutting Research Themes-Integrating Inclusive and Sustainable Development Across All CIDS Research Programmes

Focus: The Center for Integrated Development Studies (CIDS) emphasizes a holistic approach to development, addressing interconnected issues. Their research in five key areas aims for inclusive, sustainable growth that reflects community realities in Sri Lanka’s Northern and Eastern Provinces and aligns with national goals. CIDS integrates Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) to involve all groups and tackle inequalities. They value local knowledge through documenting indigenous practices and community innovations to support tailored solutions. Youth participation spans governance, education, employment, and social change. A Human Rights-based approach promotes dignity, equality, and democratic governance while safeguarding vulnerable groups. Environmental sustainability, climate resilience, and conservation are core themes. CIDS advocates for Localization, community-led planning, and innovation with new technologies. Policies will rely on rigorous data and inclusive analysis to connect grassroots experiences with national strategies.

Expected Contribution: By integrating these cross-cutting themes across all research pillars, CIDS will produce research that is inclusive, participatory, rights-based, and policy-relevant. This approach will strengthen the quality and impact of research, promote equitable development, support resilient communities, and contribute to informed policymaking that addresses both immediate development challenges and the long-term aspirations of Sri Lanka’s diverse communities.

Five-Year Implementation Timeline

Overall Five-Year Impact Statement

By 2031, the Center for Integrated Development Studies (CIDS) aims to be recognized as a leading independent policy research institute that connects grassroots realities to regional and national decision-making. Through high-quality interdisciplinary research, accessible knowledge products, and sustained engagement with government, academia, civil society, and communities, CIDS will foster evidence-informed policies that promote inclusive governance, resilient communities, equitable economic opportunities, environmental sustainability, and lasting peace.

Its research will not only shape public discourse but also strengthen institutional capacity and empower communities to participate meaningfully in development, leading to measurable improvements in people’s well-being and contributing to more inclusive and sustainable national development.