Development projects, especially those that include housing and public spaces, must mainstream the idea of social infrastructure. Going beyond its physical manifestations like parks or even community centres and look at the social needs of a community, drawing from aspects such as community dynamics that are crucial for creating liveable spaces that contribute to higher levels of social cohesion, and improving the overall well-being of communities.

While data and numbers offer helpful insights, the picture it paints is almost always incomplete without an understanding of how those numbers were arrived at—how data is collected, and the sensitivities that enumerators need to be mindful of when conducting large scale surveys. Understanding the methodology of conducting such surveys add an important realistic dimension to policies that are solely data-driven.

This infographic provides an overview of settlements in the City of Colombo. The map shows the distribution of settlements in Colombo, with the most number of settlements concentrated in Colombo North. The data shows that most settlements have upgraded on-site, and that compared to other cities in the Global South, Colombo’s settlements are smaller and fragmented, with no trend of sprawling slums and shanties to be found.

A recent survey by CSF found gig workers desire independence, freedom, and flexibility, making it an attractive choice. This article explores power asymmetries in gig economy models in Sri Lanka, focusing on the reasons behind joining the gig economy.

The reconfiguration of Colombo’s built environment and infrastructure has lasting consequences for the city’s food environment and people’s access to affordable fresh produce. This article discusses how public markets are more than the building in which its activities take place.

A recent survey in Sri Lanka shows that relatively less women were engaged in gig economy work despite its relative flexibility, equal pay opportunities, and low barriers to entry. This article explores some of the drivers and issues.

A recent survey in Sri Lanka shows that relatively less women were engaged in gig economy work despite its relative flexibility, equal pay opportunities, and low barriers to entry. This article explores some of the drivers and issues.

Despite the perception that gig work is largely part-time, our recent survey finds that most workers in location-based gig work actually work full-time on the platforms. Yet, they are typically not recognised as ‘employees’.

Despite the perception that gig work is largely part-time, our recent survey finds that most workers in location-based gig work actually work full-time on the platforms. Yet, they are typically not recognised as ‘employees’.

Amidst other economic reforms, the critical state of the education sector has received relatively less attention. Sri Lanka needs a comprehensive action plan that is student-centric, in order to help students and teachers manage the current crisis.

Amidst other economic reforms, the critical state of the education sector has received relatively less attention. Sri Lanka needs a comprehensive action plan that is student-centric, in order to help students and teachers manage the current crisis.