About Us
Center for Integrated Development Studies
The Center’s vision is to advance sustainable development in war-affected, disaster-impacted, economically distressed, and marginalized regions and communities in Sri Lanka. It seeks to facilitate research on the Tamil diaspora and its contributions to the country’s development by fostering multidisciplinary inquiry, empowering local populations, and translating research findings into effective policies and practices for the benefit of future generations.
The Center for Integrated Development Studies prioritizes evidence-based research and policy advocacy to promote sustainable development. Its objectives include cultivating a research-oriented culture, producing rigorous studies, and supporting local enterprises—such as small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), cooperatives, and non-profit organizations—through community-driven initiatives that attract investment and foster partnerships.
Mission and Strategic Objectives
The primary mission of the Center for Integrated Development Studies (CIDS) is to bridge academic research and public policy. Rather than addressing issues such as poverty or education in isolation, CIDS adopts an integrated approach that combines economics, sociology, scientific research, and environmental studies to develop comprehensive solutions.
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 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
- Venthan Kathiramalai
- Mukunthan Kandiah
- Jeyasankar Sivagnanam
- Nalliah Sanjeev
Publications
CIDS maintains a comprehensive collection of academic and policy research designed to connect grassroots evidence with national policy. The Center disseminates its work in multiple formats to address the needs of diverse audiences. The Discussion Paper Series presents preliminary research intended to stimulate debate and highlight issues related to policy coherence for community engagement, incorporating expert perspectives. The Policy Brief Series delivers concise, actionable analyses tailored for government officials. Monographs offer thorough, in-depth examinations of specific development challenges.