Publications
BALPP publications aim to advance knowledge and foster informed dialogue on leadership, public policy, and governance in Sri Lanka through rigorous research, policy briefs, and expert analyses.

BALPP Policy Tribune Vol 1 - Issue 1
The Bandaranaike Academy for Leadership and Public Policy (BALPP) Policy Tribune is dedicated to educating and informing the public on policy-related matters. Launched by BALPP’s Research Wing, the Policy Tribune aims to promote leadership skills, ethical governance, and public policy expertise. The inaugural issue features two policy briefs from leading experts, highlighting key findings and recommendations from original academic research. Additionally, it includes opinion pieces and articles from international policy experts and BALPP staff, addressing gaps in policy-making and implementation.
What’s in this issue of the BALPP Policy Tribune?
– Policy Brief – By Prof. Janendra Costa : Harnessing Emerging Sciences and Technologies for Sri Lanka’s National Development
– Policy Brief – By Dr. Namala Tilekaratna : Access, Opportunity and Social Justice in Secondary Education in Sri Lanka
– Global Perspective –By Dr. Irvin Studin : Politics, Policy, Science, Data & Evidence – Reflections on the Pandemic “Five”
– Global Perspective – By Javed Jabbar : The Leadership Challenge in South Asia – A Perspective from Pakistan
– Policy Perspective – By Shayani Jayasinghe : Managing the Waste Crisis of Sri Lanka: Policy Recommendations and Effective Strategies
– Policy Perspective – By Leya Gyi : Winds of Change in Mannar – Environmental Policy Gone Awry
Aligned with the mission of the BALPP’s mission to make public policy accessible to everyone, you can download the Policy Tribune for free!

BALPP Policy Tribune Vol 1 - Issue 2
This special “bumper issue” showcases 15 insightful contributions from distinguished scholars and experts. From original academic research to thought-provoking opinion pieces, this issue addresses pressing challenges and explores strategic solutions for Sri Lanka’s path forward. Highlights include in-depth analyses of education, healthcare, sustainable energy, and innovative policy strategies, along with an engaging interview and a unique photo essay reflecting BALPP’s dedication to social causes.
What’s in this issue of the BALPP Policy Tribune?
- By Prof. Nadeera Rajapakse: Reducing Inequalities for Sustainable, Equitable Human Development
- By Prof. Vasitha Abeysuriya: Strategies to Overcome the Financial Difficulties in Carrying Out Research in Sri Lanka
- By Ms. Shayani Jayasinghe: Leading with Empathy: Building Connections (Photo Essay)
- By Prof. Izhar Oplatka: The Policy of Social Emotional Learning (SEL) – Can We Apply its Principles into Traditional, Developing Societies?
- By Dr. Visula Abeysuriya: Blended Learning in Sri Lanka – Opportunities, Challenges, and Strategic Policy Recommendations for the Future
- By Mr. Lalith Lankathilleke: In Search of Opportunities to Realize Ideals
- By Mr. Thulith Edirisinghe: Improving Access to Education Through Technology in Low-Income Countries
- By Ms. Shayani Jayasinghe: An Interview with Prof. Vajira Dissanayake – Youth Empowerment, Policy-Making, and Health Sector Reforms
- By Mr. Parakrama Jayasinghe: A Sustainable, Future-Proof, and Visionary Energy Policy for Sri Lanka
- By Mr. Rivi Wijesekara: Championing Our Changemakers – Insights from a Young Social Entrepreneur
- By Mr. Kugan Ganan, Mr. Chethana Janith, Ms. Izra Muhsin, and Mr. Rivi Wijesekara: Reforming Sri Lanka’s Secondary School Examinations – A Comparative Study
- By Ms. Mariyam Samad and Mr. Dulyana Wanigasooriya: Economic Analysis of Sri Lanka’s Health Sector Crisis
- By Mr. Rivi Wijesekara: What and Who is Education For? A Philosophical Exploration
- By Ms. Aknara Fonseka and Mr. Viduranga Landers: Opportunities for Digitalization of Sri Lanka’s Public Sector
- By Ms. Aknara Fonseka and Mr. Rivi Wijesekara: Addressing the Mental Health Crisis Among Sri Lankan Youth
Aligned with the mission of the BALPP’s mission to make public policy accessible to everyone, you can download the Policy Tribune for free!
Call for Papers - BALPP Policy Tribune Vol 1 - Issue 3
We welcome contributions from scholars, policymakers, practitioners, and emerging experts engaged in policy research and implementation.
Thematic Areas
Submissions should address one or more of the following policy domains:
- Climate Resilience Policy
- Health and Welfare Policy
- Science and Technology Policy
- Power and Energy Policy
- Food Safety and Nutrition Policy
- Housing Policy
- Economic Policy
- Women’s Empowerment and Gender Equality Policy
- Transport Policy
- Other Related Areas
Submission Categories
1. Policy Briefs (2,000 – 2,500 words)
A comprehensive analysis of public policy formulation and implementation, critically evaluating the successes and failures of existing policies.
2. Global Policy Perspective (1,000 – 1,500 words)
A discussion of policy formulation, implementation, and best practices (or critiques) from international contexts, providing comparative insights.
3. Local Policy Perspective (1,000 – 1,500 words)
An in-depth exploration of specific policy challenges within Sri Lanka, examining their impact and potential solutions.
4. Opinion Pieces on Policy Planning, Strategic Leadership, and Ethical Governance (1,500 – 2,000 words)
Reflections and analyses by experts and emerging professionals on their experiences with policy formulation and implementation.
Submission Guidelines
- All submissions must include proper citations and end references, formatted in Chicago or Harvard style.
- Manuscripts should be original, well-researched, and relevant to the thematic areas outlined above.
- Submissions should be in Word format (.doc/.docx) and follow academic writing standards.
Deadline
The deadline for submissions is March 31, 2025.
How to Submit
Please send your submissions and any inquiries to researchassociate@balpp.com with the subject line: Submission – Policy Tribune III.