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!

BALPP Policy Tribune Vol 1 - Issue 3

What’s in this issue of the BALPP Policy Tribune?

This special issue features 17 powerful contributions from emerging and early-career scholars tackling Sri Lanka’s most urgent policy challenges. From policy briefs to photo essays and interviews, this issue examines the frontlines of public health, education, governance, and climate resilience. Highlights include a comprehensive review of Sri Lanka’s HIV policy framework, a visual exploration of marketing in Pettah Market, and critical analyses on nationalism, gender parity, and artificial intelligence in elections. It also features two thought-provoking interviews on public policy education and transport reform. Together, these contributions reflect the BALPP’s mission to empower the next generation of policy thinkers and foster accessible public scholarship.

Inside this issue:

  • By Madara Ranmuthugala: Perspectives on Sri Lanka’s HIV Policy Framework

  • By V.H.S.L. Hassan: Vaping Woes – Addressing the Resurgence of Tobacco Consumption

  • By Poornima Premarathne: How Pettah Market Shapes Its Own Marketing Policy (Photo Essay)

  • By A.A.V.D.P. Weerasinghe: Nationalism and Neoliberalism – The Global Political Economy Driving Far-Right Movements

  • By Rehana Thowfeek: Reflections from Visits to the Australian Productivity Commission and Office of Impact Analysis

  • By Thisuri Rojie Ekanayake: The Case for Bus Rapid Transit Systems : Lessons from the Neighborhood

  • By Jeremy John de Zilwa: A Critical Analysis of a Meritocracy Created by Sri Lanka’s Education System

  • By Shayani Jayasinghe: Interview with Rehan Jayawickrama – The Relevance of Public Policy Education

  • By Mathusha Sabhanayakam: National Nutrition Policy – Strengthening Inclusivity and Achieving Sustainability

  • By Fiona Mirembe-Kiggundu & Henry Sebunya: Keeping Children in School During Future Pandemics

  • By Sasankaa Gunathilake: South Asia’s Struggle with Gender Parity – A Perspective on Workforce Inclusion

  • By Gayani Lakmali Pathirage: Rethinking Elderly Care Policy – Lessons from Japan

  • By Shayani Jayasinghe: Interview with Ranjith Rubasinghe – Transport Sector Reform in Sri Lanka

  • By Amasha Fernando: Reimagining Refugee Policy – Insights from the Rohingya and Syrian Crises

  • By Siththara Guruge: Regulating AI-Generated Election Propaganda in Sri Lanka

  • By Dulyana Wanigasooriya: Sri Lanka’s Pathway to Climate Resilience

  • By Dr. Visula Abeysuriya: Genetic Screening and Personalized Health – A Policy Perspective

In keeping with the BALPP’s mission to make public policy accessible to all, the Policy Tribune is available for free download.