Platform-based gig work has grown in Sri Lanka, introducing new sources of income, flexibility, and choice for workers. Yet, tensions around precarious incomes, worker safeguards, and algorithm opacity, have been under explored. New CSF research pioneers field-based findings and insights into these issues, to help move regulation forward and improve our thinking on the future of work.

In this latest Research Brief, Meghal Perera explores the impact of cost-reflective energy pricing on urban working class poor households. Consecutive tariff hikes have led to the deterioration of the quality of life of households as attempts to conserve electricity have often increased the time poverty of women and placed their health, comfort and safety at risk. Based on findings from over 3 years of fieldwork in low-income settlements in Colombo, this Research Brief explores key trends in electricity consumption of the urban poor, examining the impact of tariff increases as well as coping strategies adopted by households.