Social Scientists’ Association
Social Scientists’ Association (SSA) is a pioneering social science research institute in Sri Lanka, striving to be a catalyst for social change through research, publications and advocacy. With an equitable vision of society in mind, SSA provides a platform to scholars and practitioners to engage in research and advocacy not only on issues pertaining to human rights and freedom but also on broader socio-economic justice. The SSA is deeply committed to promoting a culture of knowledge production that informs and undergirds interventions aimed at achieving social emancipation for marginalized communities.
Our Focus Areas
Democracy
Political Economy
Gender
Youth
Recent Research
Youth as a Catalyst for Change
The island-wide survey ‘Youth as a Catalyst for Change’ aimed to assess youth perspectives on politics in general. The overarching goal of this study was to understand the youth’s attitudes and expectations towards democratic politics in the country. The in-depth understanding of youth politics that this study provided, complements ongoing and future programming efforts undertaken by the SSA in enhancing political literacy, and political participation of youth. Furthermore, this study aimed to contribute to civil society efforts in enhancing youth participation in democratic politics and thereby improve the quality of democracy in Sri Lanka.
Latest Events
Political Economy Lecture Series
The Social Scientists’ Association launched a Political Economy Lecture series, led by Dr. Devaka Gunawardena that ran through May to July 2024. Designed to foster deep discussions, the series invited a carefully selected group of academics, practitioners and young scholars to ensure a rich and engaging dialogue. The series had six lectures that revolved around a plethora of topics ranging from the historical evolution of political economy as a critical field of inquiry to social reproduction, democracy to variations in political regimes and neo-colonialism.
Publications
Recent Videos
JAMES BROW, ANURADHAPURA 1984, AND THE QUESTION OF AGRARIAN CHANGE
JONATHAN SPENCER
IRRIGATION MANAGEMENT AND STRUCTURAL DISEMPOWERMENT OF FARMERS IN RURAL SRI LANKA
VIDURA MUNASINGHE
UNDERSTANDING LAND RIGHTS THROUGH COLLECTIVE FARMER STRUGGLES
NATASHA VAN-HOFF