Research
Questions
before answers.
Evidence before ideology.

Agora conducts independent, evidence-based research on the economic, political, technological and strategic questions shaping Sri Lanka, South Asia and the wider world.

Research Philosophy
We begin with questions.
We follow the evidence wherever it leads.
Research Divisions
Six fields of inquiry.

Agora’s research programme will develop progressively around interconnected areas of economics, geopolitics, governance, business, technology and leadership.

01
Economic Policy

Central banking, public finance, trade, growth, productivity and economic reform.

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02
Geopolitics

South Asia, China, India, ASEAN, the Middle East, the United States and strategic affairs.

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03
Governance

Public administration, electoral reform, judicial independence and anti-corruption.

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04
Business & Competitiveness

Enterprise, investment, competitiveness, markets and the business environment.

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05
Technology & Future Studies

Artificial intelligence, technological change, innovation and emerging risks.

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06
Leadership & Public Dialogue

Executive education, policy forums, leadership and youth development.

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Our Method
From question
to public impact.

Agora’s research process is designed to combine intellectual independence with methodological rigour and practical relevance.

01
Ask

Identify important questions that deserve serious investigation.

02
Investigate

Collect evidence, analyse data and examine competing explanations.

03
Challenge

Test assumptions through debate, peer review and independent scrutiny.

04
Share

Translate findings into research, policy recommendations and public dialogue.

“Research should not end on a bookshelf. It should enter the conversation.”

Research to Policy
Evidence that informs decisions.

Agora seeks to make research useful to people responsible for making decisions — policymakers, business leaders, institutions and citizens.

Our work therefore combines rigorous analysis with accessible communication, ensuring that complex questions can be understood beyond academic circles.

Where appropriate, research will be translated into policy briefs, public lectures, data visualisations, executive discussions and recommendations.

Explore the ideas shaping our future.

Discover Agora’s publications, analysis and research programmes.

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