Research Areas

1. Economic Policy

Nexus is committed to driving research and advocacy initiatives aimed at strengthening Sri Lanka’s economic policies. Our focus areas include:

Inclusive Growth: Identifying strategies to ensure equitable opportunities and benefits for all segments of society.

Financial Stability: Promoting reforms to safeguard the economy from vulnerabilities while enhancing resilience.

Equitable Resource Distribution: Developing frameworks to ensure fair allocation of resources, addressing disparities across regions and communities.

Our work involves conducting in-depth research, producing scenario papers and policy briefs, and engaging with stakeholders to advocate for evidence-based economic reforms.

2. Governance

Nexus places a strong emphasis on promoting effective governance through targeted initiatives in the following areas:
Constitutional Reforms: Supporting the development of robust constitutional frameworks that strengthen democratic institutions and uphold fundamental rights.

Education: Advocating for policies that enhance access to quality education, reduce disparities, and foster innovation in teaching and learning.

Health: Driving reforms to build more efficient and equitable healthcare systems, ensuring universal access to essential health services.

Energy: Promoting sustainable energy policies, including the transition to renewable energy sources, energy security, and efficiency measures, to support long-term economic and environmental stability.

Transport: Advocating for modernized, accessible, and sustainable transportation systems, focusing on public transit improvements, infrastructure development, and policies that enhance mobility and reduce congestion.

Activities under this focus area include the preparation of research and scenario papers, development of actionable policy briefs, and implementation of advocacy campaigns. Nexus also engages in lobbying efforts to facilitate meaningful changes at both local and national levels.

3. International Policy

Nexus actively collaborates with global institutions to analyze and influence international policies with implications for Sri Lanka and the region. Our work in this domain includes:

• Building strategic alliances with think tanks, international organizations, and policy experts.
• Conducting comparative research to identify best practices and tailor them to Sri Lanka’s context. 
• Advocating for policies that promote Sri Lanka’s interests in global forums, while fostering regional cooperation and integration.

4. International Trade and Regional Affairs

Nexus is committed to enhancing Sri Lanka’s global trade position and fostering stronger regional economic integration. Our initiatives in this domain include:

• Strengthening trade partnerships by engaging with international trade bodies, regional economic organizations, and business chambers.
• Conducting market research and policy analysis to identify trade opportunities, address barriers, and support competitive industry growth.
• Advocating for trade policies that enhance Sri Lanka’s export potential, attract foreign investment, and promote sustainable regional trade collaborations.

Through these efforts, Nexus aims to position Sri Lanka as a key participant in shaping regional and global policy dialogues.

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The research journey of NEXUS began with groundbreaking projects such as the Media Monitoring Research on the Indian Factor in 2006, which examined the perceptions of Indian media and policymakers regarding Sri Lanka’s ethno-political issues. This study laid the foundation for Nexus’s commitment to understanding regional dynamics and their impact on Sri Lanka’s sovereignty and development.

The following year, Nexus produced an Annotated Bibliography on Conflict Analysis, a comprehensive resource that synthesized Eastern and Western perspectives on conflict resolution, setting the stage for deeper research and dialogue on the subject.

In 2009, Nexus undertook the Darmapala Modernization Project, exploring the intersection of religion and modernity in South Asia through the lens of Anagarika Dharmapala’s reformist vision. This project highlighted Nexus’s ability to tackle complex, interdisciplinary topics and contribute to broader academic and policy discussions.

In 2018, Nexus Research Group undertook a significant study titled Identifying and Analyzing the Sinhala-Buddhist Nationalistic Perspective within the Constitutional Reformation Process in Sri Lanka. This research aimed to explore the role and influence of Sinhala-Buddhist nationalism, a dominant socio-political force in Sri Lanka, within the context of constitutional reform. Recognizing that Sinhala-Buddhists constitute the majority ethnic group in the country, the study sought to understand how their perspectives and concerns have shaped—and been shaped by—the constitutional reformation process.

In 2022, Nexus Research Group launched a pioneering pilot project aimed at identifying a Strategic pathway for State-Owned Enterprise (SOE) reforms and developing a legal framework to combat corruption. Recognizing the critical need for systemic change in Sri Lanka’s SOE sector, this initiative sought to address long-standing inefficiencies, financial burdens, and governance challenges through a structured, inclusive, and evidence-based approach. Reforming State-Owned Enterprises is a complex and multifaceted process that requires a clear vision, meticulous planning, and broad stakeholder engagement. To lay the groundwork for effective reforms, Nexus developed a comprehensive Road Map for SOE Reform Strategy. This roadmap was designed to build knowledge from a near-zero base, ensuring that all key stakeholders—including policymakers, industry experts, and the public—could contribute to and benefit from the reform process.

Today, Nexus Research Group stands as a dynamic and innovative public policy think tank, recognized for its impactful research, capacity-building programs, and strategic networking initiatives. With a strong foundation built on adaptability, creativity, and continuous learning, Nexus continues to empower citizens, enrich public discourse, and shape inclusive, forward-thinking policies in Sri Lanka and the region. As it looks to the future, Nexus remains committed to its mission of driving sustainable progress through evidence-based research, professional excellence, and collaborative solutions.