About Us
Discover the essence of who we are. Our story is one of vision, commitment, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Learn more about our values, mission, and the journey that defines us.
First and Premier
The Bandaranaike Academy for Leadership and Public Policy, established on 23 October 2023 under the Companies Act No. 7 of 2007 as a company limited by guarantee, stands as a leading institution dedicated to excellence in leadership & public policy.
The Academy was born out of the urgent need to address Sri Lanka’s deepening leadership crisis. As the nation grappled with challenges of governance, accountability, and vision, the BALPP was created as a response to rebuild trust, foster capable leadership, and offer innovative solutions. Our mission is to create a new generation of leaders equipped to navigate complexity, inspire change, and uphold the values necessary for progress in a changing and volatile world.
Its vision is built on three core pillars: the Academic and Learning Pillar, the Research Pillar, and the Outreach Pillar. These pillars are supported by a strong and innovative Administrative and Operational Foundation to guarantee the Academy’s success in advancing education, research, and public engagement in leadership and public policy.
The Gold Standard of Public Policy & Leadership Education
In the realm of Academics and Learning, the BALPP offers postgraduate, diploma, and certificate programs in a wide range of fields related to Leadership and Public Policy. These programs are designed to attract both Sri Lankan and international students, fostering a global exchange of ideas and perspectives.
As a non-political organization, the Academy is committed to cultivating leadership that transcends partisan divides, focusing instead on solutions that serve the broader public good. Its mission is to educate and empower a diverse group of individuals, including public servants, government officials, corporate executives, civil society leaders, and academics.
The Bandaranaike Academy for Leadership and Public Policy is distinguished by an Expert Resource Panel of eminent academics, practitioners, and scholars drawn from diverse disciplines within Public Policy. In accordance with its Vision and Aims, the Academy is resolutely committed to crafting academic programs designed to address the emerging needs and complexities facing Sri Lanka and the broader region.
Research that Inspires
The BALPP Research Wing is committed to advancing policy-driven research that shapes and redefines the realms of leadership and public policy. With a holistic approach, we delve into a broad spectrum of topics, from leadership and governance to sustainable energy and economic policy. Through the application of innovative research methodologies and strategic collaboration with a range of stakeholders, we aim to produce research that is both accessible and impactful.
Our purpose is to ensure the dissemination of these findings to a broad audience, particularly the youth, thereby nurturing informed public discourse and influencing effective policy-making. The BALPP Policy Tribune provides a space for thoughtful analysis and discussion on key issues in leadership and public policy, with a particular focus on Sri Lanka’s evolving challenges. Aimed at fostering civil and informed dialogue, it brings together scholars, policymakers, and the public to engage with research and ideas that are directly relevant to the country’s future development and governance.
Docendo discimus – “By Teaching, We Learn”
In line with its mission to reach and engage all sectors of society, the Bandaranaike Academy for Leadership and Public Policy has embraced the philosophy of “Docendo discimus”—”by teaching, we learn.” in our approch to Outreach, Through its various events, including Policy Dialogues and the Eminence Lecture series, the Academy has worked to bring critical discussions on leadership and public policy to the people of Sri Lanka. By creating opportunities for people from all walks of life to engage directly with experts, the BALPP fosters a mutual exchange of knowledge, where both speakers and audiences learn from one another.
The Academy’s partnerships with institutions such as Verite Research, Advocata, SLIDA, BCIS, Meu Labs and SLIIT have facilitated outreach across the island, ensuring that essential insights into topics like education, governance, economics, and cybersecurity reach communities far beyond the capital. These efforts embody our commitment to spreading knowledge, empowering individuals, and building a more informed and engaged citizenry through the power of dialogue and shared learning.
On the Institutions of Governance
The Academic and Governing Council of the BALPP, a prestigious body composed of distinguished academics and corporate leaders, holds the ultimate authority in determining the governance and direction of the BALPP. This council plays a pivotal role in shaping the policies, strategies, and overall management of the organization.
The Academic Syndicate of BALPP is the highest academic body responsible for the governance, regulation, and oversight of all academic matters within the institution. This includes the development, delivery and quality assurance of both degree programs and micro-credentials. The Syndicate ensures that the institution’s academic standards are maintained, aligned with national and international benchmarks, and responsive to the evolving needs of security, industry and learners.
The Curriculum Development and Review Committee (CDRC) is responsible for overseeing the design, development and periodic review of all curricula, including degree programs and micro-credentials offered by the BALPP. The committee ensures that the curricula align with the academic, industry and societal needs, adhere to the institution’s strategic goals, and comply with national and international standards. The CDRC is also responsible for safeguarding the integrity of examinations conducted by the BALPP.
The Center for Quality Assurance (CQA) was established to ensure that academic programs, micro- credentials and all academic processes of the institute meet the highest standard of quality, align with national and international benchmarks and continuously improve in response to academic, professional and societal needs.
The Board of Examiners is responsible for overseeing and ensuring the integrity, fairness and consistency of the assessment process in both degree programs and micro-credentials. The Board ensures that the assessment standards meet the academic and professional requirements of the institution and that students’ performance is evaluated in a transparent, equitable and impartial manner.
The appointment of the BALPP Ethics Committee marks a significant step in bolstering the organization’s commitment to integrity and ethical governance. The committee will be chaired by distinguished legal experts, including Prof. N. Selvakkumaran, a former Dean and Senior Legal Advisor at the University of Colombo, known for his extensive work in criminal law and computer crimes; Prof. Rose Wijesekera, a seasoned academic who has contributed significantly to the legal education landscape in Sri Lanka, particularly in commercial law; and Prof. Naazima Kamardeen, a highly accomplished scholar with advanced degrees from the University of Colombo and Georgetown University, and an Attorney-at-Law of the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka. Their combined expertise and leadership will ensure that BALPP adheres to the highest ethical standards in its operations, reinforcing its role as a leading institution in leadership and public policy.
Our Vision & Mission
Our Promise
Facilities:
- Self-Study Area
- Library
- Auditorium
- Cafeteria
- Classrooms
- Class rooms
- Library, Reference Centre
- Auditorium
- Self Study Area
- Cafeteria