Institute of Policy Studies of Sri Lanka

Institute of Policy Studies of Sri Lanka(IPS) is the apex economic policy research institute in Sri Lanka.

The Institute of Policy Studies of Sri Lanka (IPS) is an autonomous institution designed to promote policy-oriented economic research and to strengthen the capacity for policy analysis in the country. The Institute’s research agenda focuses on a number of topics, including poverty and social welfare, environmental economics, agricultural economics, and human resources development.

History

Established in 1988 and formalized in 1990, IPS was initially supported jointly by the Royal Netherlands Government and the Government of Sri Lanka in a way that allowed it gradually to diversify its income and resource base. IPS has since been successful in establishing its own endowment fund and setting in motion the transition to full financial independence.

Mission & Objectives

Operational independence from financial and administrative regulations of the government were very much part of the rationale for setting up an independent IPS. Its institutional structure has allowed it to fulfill a unique position as an authoritative, independent voice in economic policy analysis that works closely with the government, private sector, academia and civil society.

Services

Since its establishment, IPS has substantially expanded its research activities by systematically strengthening its research staff. This has been reinforced by professional in-house support services in finance and administration and the provision of information and resources, including the Institute’s own library, publications, information technology, web development and database services.

Research activities

IPS conducts research which covers post-conflict economic development, human resource development, migration and development, social protection and vulnerabilities, macroeconomic policy, international competitiveness and industrial policy.