CSF | Interdisciplinary Think Tank in Sri Lanka - research and policy advocacy on climate, urbanization, technology, and inclusive growth

OUR WORK AND FOCUS

A JUST AND INCLUSIVE SRI LANKAN ECONOMY

CSF is an interdisciplinary public policy think tank with researchers, advisors, practitioners and partners around the world. We conduct high quality research, promote collaboration across disciplines, and generate innovative and actionable ideas. Through our work we influence a just recovery from Sri Lanka’s polycrisis, with the environment and human wellbeing at the core. Our partners include Institute of Development Studies, Open Society Foundations, Max Planck Foundation, Blue Resources Trust, London School of Economics, Biodiversity Sri Lanka, Good Life X, and Sevanatha Urban Resource Center, among others.

CENTRE FOR A SMART FUTURE

HOW WE
APPROACH OUR WORK

Promoting greater imagination and diversity in public policy ideas, ensuring they are rooted in the lived realities of people and the urgency of environmental action.

Leveraging our diverse team of researchers and practitioners to explore complex issues from a variety of angles, leading to more comprehensive and nuanced research.

Engaging with a spectrum of stakeholders - from local communities to policymakers - ensuring our research is relevant, and accessible, to a broad audience.

Prioritising primary and specialised research, so we can offer unique insights that are not readily available elsewhere, making them a valuable resource for our stakeholders.

Understanding stakeholder sensitivities and navigating complex political-economy landscapes, drawing from our team’s experience in the public sector, international organizations, and civil society.

OUR RESEARCH INITIATIVES

WHAT WE ARE WORKING ON

Read about our research across key thematic pillars

Colombo Urban Lab

CUL works towards equitable and sustainable cities in Sri Lanka. It is a collaborative and interdisciplinary space, enabling connections between research, practice and public policy.

Nature, Climate, and the Economy

Research, capacity building and advocacy on putting nature at the heart of Sri Lanka’s economic growth, with stakeholders in economics, business and finance, and in conservation, ecology and environmental science.

Tourism and Nature

Research and stakeholder engagement on the tourism development and pressures on natural ecosystems, redefining destination identities, and sustainable tourism governance

Inclusive Technology and Innovation

Research and policy engagement on platform-based gig work, governance of digital public infrastructure, and digital inclusion and equity in areas such as social protection and education

CENTRE FOR A SMART FUTURE

LATEST KNOWLEDGE INSIGHTS

Read our latest research insights, op-ed articles, publications, and more

DECEMBER 17, 2025

Economic Growth, Reimagined: Expert Perspectives on Putting Nature at the Centre of Sri Lanka’s Recovery

This article takes a look back at insights shared in an interview series produced by Echelon and CSF earlier this year. The series brought together policymakers, financial sector leaders, conservation practitioners, tourism experts, and private-sector innovators to explore how Sri Lanka can integrate natural capital into its economic recovery.

DECEMBER 16, 2025

New Report – ‘Shifting Grounds: Unpacking the Tensions between Real Estate Development and Nature in Colombo’

CSF’s new report ‘Shifting Grounds: Unpacking the Tensions between Real Estate Development and Nature in Colombo’ examines this paradox of ‘green living’ and the destruction of natural spaces through the lens of one of Colombo’s nature-rich suburbs. The findings of the report are especially relevant now post Cyclone Ditwah.

DECEMBER 10, 2025

How Can Colombo’s Recovery From Cyclone Ditwah Be Transformative?

The immediacy of any disaster we see the outpouring support from Sri Lankans - coming together to raise money, collect rations and clothes and deliver them where needed. But to break this cycle of stepping in where the state and government fail, we need proactive governance and planning, and not reactive as we have been for decades.