The University of Colombo, in partnership with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Sri Lanka, has officially launched the Centre for Multidisciplinary Research and Innovation in Social Policy.
The Centre aims to serve as a multidisciplinary hub for research and innovation, focusing on critical areas such as gender equality, reproductive health, and social policy. Its key service offerings include policy dialogue, research, and capacity building. The strategic goals of the Centre encompass the expansion of knowledge, capacity building and training, promotion of dialogue and exchange, advocacy for change, network and partnership building, and dissemination of information.
The Centre was formally inaugurated on 13 August 2025 by H.E. the Ambassador of Japan, Prof. Indika Mahesh Karunathilake (Vice Chancellor, University of Colombo), Mr. Kunle Adeniyi (UNFPA Representative), Dr. Kumudika Boyagoda (Senior Lecturer, Department of Demography), along with faculty deans and other academic members of the University of Colombo.
This initiative marks a significant milestone in promoting interdisciplinary collaboration and advancing evidence-based policy development in Sri Lanka and across the South Asian region.