Introduction to Division
The Social Development Policy, Research, and Publications Division is one of the integral components of the administrative structure of the National Institute of Social Development. It conducts and collaborates on research projects and surveys related to social work education and practice, social welfare, social empowerment, and social development.
The division has also undertaken several research projects focused on policy development at urban, rural, and national levels. Furthermore, it publishes three publications annually, including a newsletter and journals such as the Sri Lanka Journal of Social Science, Sri Lanka Journal of Social Work, and Student Journal of Social Work.
Objectives of the Division
To conduct various research studies related to the fields of social work, social welfare, and social development, and to publish related research reports and academic compilations, thereby contributing to the formulation of social policies in these areas in Sri Lanka.
Role of the Research Division
- Identifying Fields of social research and survey in addition to preparing plans for compiling policies for Social work
- Engaging in social research while directing focus towards social problems to provide information for the National Policies and various fields
- Forming alliances with relevant ministries and providing necessary information to draw the facilities and services needed by the underprivileged families.
- Provisioning research proposals, Data analysis and producing research reports
- Approaching the field to procure information also while securing confidentiality.
- Maintaining a data bank pertinent to Social Research
The Social Development Policy Research and Publication Division is proud to host the upcoming International Conference on Social Work 2025 and the Students’ Symposium 2025. This event aims to bring together academics, practitioners, and students from around the world to discuss pressing issues in social work and social development.
Research done by research division
- Family Policy Research Focus Group Discussion(Collaboration with Ministry of Social Services)
- Discussion on findings of the project “A Situational Analysis of Institutionalized Children in Sri Lanka
- Socio economic survey on Hambanthota Ranna and Rakawa villages
- Comparative Research Study on Selected Two Villages in Hambanthota Rural and Fishing Areas
- Women : Exposure, Vulnerability, and Ability to Respond to Harassment in Public Transport
- Family Structure Transformation through popular Tele drama in Sri Lanka: An Analysis of Audience Perspective
- Research Study on Need and Challenges on Public Assistance Provision (Mirigama Divisional Secretariat)
- Research Project on Community Base Aged Care System (Two Years Project )
- Survey on Socio –economic impact of constructing a multiple transport center at Makumbura (Megapolis)
- “Study of the reasons for existing rural poverty in Sri Lanka - 2019”(reference to the Samurdhi Development Programme)
- Feasibility study for Ranna Regional Center
- Survey on Reparation for victims of Easter Attack
- Training need assessment for Women Development Officers
- නිෂ්පාදන ගම්මානවල බලපෑම අධ්යයනය සහ සමාජ වැඩ මැදිහත්වීම
- Research on Issues faced by the persons recovered from COVID -19 in maintaining their inter relationships
- Environmental impact of Covid 19 health care and waste management: Societal Resilience for the future
Staff
Mr. M.S. M. Asmiyas
Director
MPhil (Bharathiyar University - India),
MSW (Bharathiyar University, India),
B.A. (University of Peradeniya)
Mr. Keerthi Jayawardena
Senior Research Officer
M.A. in Sociology (University of Colombo),
B.A. (Hons) (University of Ruhuna)
Mr. S. Hariharathamotharan
Senior Research Officer
MSW (National Institute of Social Development),
MSc. (University of Peradeniya),,
B.Sc. (Hons) (University of Jaffna),
SEDA (UK)
Mrs. H.K. Sandya Sirikumara
Research Officer - II
MSW (Reading) (National Institute of Social Development),
M.A. (University of Kelaniya),
B.A. (Hons) in Sociology (University of Kelaniya)
Mrs. Niluka Wijebandara
Research Officer - II
MSW (National Institute of Social Development),
M.A. in Sociology (University of Kelaniya),
PgDip. in Counselling (University of Colombo),
B.A. (University of Sri Jayewardenepura)
Ms. Nisansala Madushani
Research Assistant - III
MSW (National Institute of Social Development),
PgDip. in Development Studies (University of Colombo),
BSW (Alva’s College, Mangalore University, India)