About Us

Welcome to the Centre for Multidisciplinary Research and Innovation in Social Policy

Welcome to CEMRIS

The Centre for Multidisciplinary Research & Innovation in Social Policy (CEMRIS) is dedicated to producing transformative research in Sri Lanka that addresses pressing social, economic, and environmental challenges. Through partnerships with national and international institutions, the CEMRIS aims to generate evidence to support policy formulation and the design of impactful programmes. Our mission is to foster an inclusive, equitable world where the rights and potential of women and gender-diverse individuals are fully realized, particularly in contexts shaped by demographic transitions.

Who we are

Sri Lanka faces complex challenges like population ageing, low fertility, migration, gender inequality, and sexual and reproductive health issues, human rights and the achievement of the ICPD agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals. Addressing these challenges requires robust research and innovation to generate evidence, tools and technologies crucial for policy-making and programming.

In response, the University of Colombo and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) have established the Centre for Multidisciplinary Research and Innovation in Social Policy (CEMRIS). Housed at the University of Colombo, CEMRIS aims to lead regional research efforts, fostering progress in human and social development policy across South Asia. The key objectives of the CEMRIS are:

To execute multidisciplinary and transformational research in priority areas across the region, and publish research in leading international journals.
To build a knowledge hub to create research cadres with cross-disciplinary skills To build the capacities of personnel working in the priority areas through a life-long learning approach.
To translate policy research to policy engagement by generating evidence-based recommendations to address critical issues in priority areas.
To develop strategic partnerships and collaborations with world-class institutions for sharing innovative products/solutions/processes in the priority areas.

Our Partners

Our work is made possible through strong partnerships with a diverse range of institutions and stakeholders. We collaborate with universities, research centres, government agencies, non-profit organizations, community-based groups, and international development bodies. These partnerships allow us to co-create knowledge, design inclusive solutions, and influence policy at local, national, and global levels. We value partnerships that are grounded in mutual respect, shared learning, and a commitment to social impact. Whether working with grassroots organizations to understand community needs or advising policymakers on data-driven reforms, our partners are central to our mission of transforming research into meaningful change.

We achieve our mission through collaboration with a diverse network of partners, including universities, research centers, government agencies, non-profits, community groups, and international development organizations. These partnerships enable us to co-create knowledge, develop inclusive solutions, and influence policy at all levels. Our partners are essential to transforming research into meaningful change, whether we’re working with grassroots organizations to understand community needs or advising policymakers on data-driven reforms. We value partnerships based on mutual respect, shared learning, and a commitment to social impact.

What we do

At the Centre of Multidisciplinary Research and Innovation in Social Policy, we conduct cutting-edge research that informs and shapes effective social policies. We bring together scholars, practitioners, and community voices from diverse disciplines to explore issues such as inequality, social justice, education, public health, youth development, and sustainable livelihoods. Through collaborative projects, policy analysis, fieldwork, and innovation labs, we generate actionable insights that respond to real-world challenges. We also offer training, knowledge exchange, and capacity-building programs to strengthen the link between research, policy, and practice. Our goal is to turn ideas into impact—building more just, inclusive, and resilient societies.

What we do

We conduct cutting-edge research addressing key societal issues — from inequality and social justice to education, public health, youth development, and sustainable livelihoods. Our findings help shape evidence-based policies that make a difference.

Bringing together scholars, practitioners, and communities, our collaborative projects and field studies ensure that diverse voices and real-world perspectives are central to our work.

Through training, workshops, and innovation labs, we empower policymakers, practitioners, and stakeholders to apply research insights effectively and sustainably.

Our mission is to bridge the gap between research and practice. By generating actionable insights, we strive to transform innovative ideas into impactful solutions for social progress.