Social Policy Analysis & Research Centre (SPARC)

SPARC operates within Sri Lankan universities to provide a focal point for work on social and economic development as a means of addressing the conflict.

Overview

SPARC provides a focal point within the Sri Lankan University system to integrate research, teaching, training, policy analysis and advocacy on critical areas of social and economic development. It perceives the conflict as a main obstacle to the social and economic development of the country and, with the intention of finding alternative ways of addressing the conflict, facilitates close collaboration between academics and institutions outside the university system, including governmental as well as non-governmental agencies that deal with issues related to social policy.

Its aim is to raise awareness on the conflict through a developmental perspective among young intellectuals, and to promote inter-ethnic integration, cooperation and understanding among university students.

Through this process, they have been able to add the practical knowledge that is gained through field experience to the theoretical conflict transformation knowledge based in universities. They have also increased awareness of the conflict and related issues among undergraduates.

Similar programmes would be worthwhile in other departments and in all universities in Sri Lanka, since more undertanding of the protracted conflict among the intellectuals can benefit both the individuals and the entire country's process of conflict transformation.

What Services Are Provided?

Training, teaching, research, advocacy.

Geographical Area of Operation

Based in Colombo and extends Island-wide.

Funding resources

ILO, UNDP, GTZ, CEPA (Centre for Poverty Alleviation), Action Aid.

What Further Information Would You Like?

• Information on organisations that conduct similar training and research;
• support in designing new curricula on social and economic development from a conflict transformation perspective.

What New Contacts Would You Like To Make?

• Experts on conflict transformation who would support us in developing a curriculum for external degree students (students who do not receive on campus teaching);
• universities and institutions that provide free training on conflict, diversity, social and economic issues for undergraduates;
• organisations that provide resources such as books, magazines, articles etc.;
• organisations interested in disseminating the collected research data and collaborating with SPARC;
• interested funding sources;
• experts who would like to share their knowledge on these issues.

Associated Organisations

University of Colombo, GTZ, FLICT, ACTION AID, Census Department, All other Sri Lankan Universities.