UNFPA and University of Colombo Launch New Research Centre with the Government of Japan

The University of Colombo (UOC) and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), with the generous support of the Government of Japan, officially launched the Centre for Multidisciplinary Research and Innovation in Social Policy (CEMRIS) today. The inauguration marks a significant milestone in establishing a premier knowledge hub dedicated to generating evidence-based solutions for critical social policy challenges across the region.

CEMRIS is a unique initiative in integrating research in the areas of sexual and reproductive health and rights, gender-based violence and population dynamics. CEMRIS was established in 2024 to execute multidisciplinary and transformational research in priority areas such as Fertility, Ageing, and Migration.

Since its inception, the Centre has successfully launched a research grant programme, supporting nine research projects in its priority themes. The official launch event, held at the newly refurbished Centre space at College House, brought together key stakeholders from government ministries, development partners and academia.

Speaking at the launch, Prof. Indika Mahesh Karunathilake, Vice Chancellor of the University of Colombo stated “CEMRIS is more than a research centre, it is a platform where knowledge meets action. Through collaborative, multidisciplinary work, we aim to address some of the most pressing challenges in our society and ensure that our research directly informs policies that improve lives. I am deeply grateful to our partners, particularly the Government of Japan and UNFPA, for making this vision a reality.”

Addressing the gathering Mr. Kenji OHASHI, Head of Economic and Development Cooperation Section, representing the Embassy of Japan to Sri Lanka reaffirmed Japan’s support. “We look forward to seeing Sri Lanka harness its full potential by addressing gender-related issues, and believe that Sri Lanka has the potential to lead in gender equality initiatives in South Asia.”

In his remarks, Mr. Kunle Adeniyi, UNFPA Representative, noted “The establishment of CEMRIS represents a bold investment in evidence-based policymaking. By focusing on sexual and reproductive health, gender-based violence, and population dynamics, we are creating a strong foundation for advancing gender equality and protecting the rights and dignity of all people in Sri Lanka.”

The establishment of CEMRIS represents a powerful commitment by all partners to leverage rigorous research and innovation as a catalyst for social progress and to create a more informed, equitable, and resilient society for all Sri Lankans, in alignment with national and global development goals.