The Institute of Policy Studies (IPS) was conceived in the mid-1980s as an autonomous institution designed to promote policy-oriented economic research and to strengthen the capacity for medium-term policy analysis in Sri Lanka. the IPS was supported through a collaborative project between the Royal Netherlands Government and the Government of Sri Lanka under four phases of operations to allow the Institute to gradually diversify its income and resource base. In the interim, the IPS has been successful in establishing its own Endowment Fund and setting in motion the transition to full financial independence with the formal ending of the fourth phase of operations in June 2006. Operational independence from financial and administrative regulations of the government were very much part of the rationale for setting up an independent IPS. Since its inception, the IPS has functioned under the key ministries involved in economic policy making and implementation in Sri Lanka while enjoying considerable autonomy in setting and implementing its research programme. Its institutional structure has allowed the IPS to acquire a unique position as an authoritative independent voice in economic policy analysis, working closely with the government, private sector, academia and civil society.
The IPS’ research programme is carried out under Research Units headed by a senior researcher.
The Research Units are:
• Macroeconomics Policy
• International Economic Policy
• Labour,Employment and Human Resources Development Policy
• Industry Competitiveness and Regulatory Policy
• Poverty and SocialWelfare Policy
• Agricultural Economic Policy
• Environmental Economic Policy
Health Economic Policy
The IPS research programme focuses on five of these elements: (i) innovation, (ii) productive jobs, (iii) effective policies and institutions, (iv) natural resources and eco-system services; and (v) infrastructure. Drawing on these elements, the cross-cutting thematic areas that will form the core of IPS’ medium term research are:
• Policy Efficiency and Compertitiveness
• Migration and Development
• Human Resources for Sustained Development
• Private Sector Development
• Poverty and Vulnerability
• Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture
