Policymakers, diplomats, researchers, civil society representatives and media actors gathered at the Taj Samudra, Colombo on the 21st of October 2025, for the launch of the newest Sri Lanka Barometer survey report, titled “Reconciliation, Governance, and Civic Engagement in a Time of Transition.” As the name suggests, this year’s report focused on the 2024-2025 political transition, which has reshaped public expectations and realigned state priorities surrounding trust, inclusion, and institutional performance.

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The 2025 SLB Survey Report

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Building on the momentum of three prior iterations (2020, 2021 and 2023), the 2025 SLB survey report reveals how citizens view reconciliation amid the political transition, their perceptions of governance systems and democratic space, and their sense of agency in shaping change.

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Key takeaways of the 2025 survey report reveal a complex but hopeful landscape. The findings emphasise that while Sri Lankans continue to aspire to peace and unity, they expect institutions to match these aspirations with tangible, consistent efforts. It also offers clear signals on public priorities and expectations, providing an evidence base for inclusive, accountable, and responsive governance moving forward.

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Shared Commitments Reaffirmed by Key Voices

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Among the distinguished guests were Ms. Krishanthi Meegahapola, Additional Secretary (Reforms), Ministry of Justice and National Integration,H.E. Carmen Moreno, Ambassador of the European Union to Sri Lanka and the Maldives, H.E. Dr. Felix Neumann, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany and H.E. Sandile Edwin Schalk, High Commissioner of South Africa.

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Their remarks underscored both the importance of data-driven policymaking and the SLB’s role in strengthening social cohesion.

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"The Sri Lanka Barometer provides essential insights into how citizens across the country view reconciliation and governance(…). The EU is proud to support efforts that place the voices of the people at the center of national dialogue." - Ambassador Carmen Moreno.

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"Sri Lankans are increasingly aware of their rights and responsibilities as citizens(…). Germany is especially grateful to foster with the Sri Lanka Barometer a tool not just for analysis, but for action." - Ambassador Dr. Felix Neumann.

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A New Era of Increased Accessibility

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A milestone that was eagerly anticipated by many was the launch of the SLB’s Online Data Analysis (ODA) tool. Through the ODA tool, users, regardless of research background or prowess, can access SLB data, reiterating its function as a public good that’s readily available and accessible. The data is presented in a simple, already disaggregated format through a user-friendly dashboard that all users can visit to further inform their work.

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The full SLB datasets, along with trilingual questionnaires and codebooks for 2020, 2021 and 2023 iterations are archived with Cornell University’s Roper Center for Public Opinion Research, and are now available for download free of charge at Roper Center for Public Opinion Research.

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Out of the Pages of the Report

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The momentum from the SLB 2025 launch continued with “Decoding the SLB: Analysis, Application, and Access,” a two-day series of practical workshops held on 22 and 23 October. Bringing together 50 representatives from the media, civil society, academia, and government, the sessions deepened participants’ understanding of the SLB and its latest findings. The team walked attendees through key insights and provided hands-on demonstrations of the new ODA tool, highlighting how it can enhance reporting, research, advocacy, and programmatic planning across sectors.

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Participants shared plenty of positive feedback, highlighting how useful it was to engage directly with the data. One government official called the workshop “a very important programme and very efficient in peacebuilding and reconciliation themes,” while an academic attendee appreciated the “SLB’s effort to make the data open source.” Their reactions show how much value there is in making reliable, accessible data available, and how the SLB is helping different groups across Sri Lanka put that information to work.

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What’s Next for the SLB? Introducing “The Insights Initiative"

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Following the conclusion of the SCOPE programme, The Insights Initiative (Insights) will function as the institutional home of the SLB. Founded in 2025, Insights is a local non-profit research organisation dedicated to amplifying the voices, priorities, and lived realities of diverse communities, and ensuring that these insights inform meaningful action.

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Insights promotes ethical, independent public interest research as the essential foundation of evidence-based, inclusive policymaking and accountable governance. By producing accessible, rigorous, and contextualised research, the organisation works to bridge the gap between citizens and decision-makers, enabling actors across civil society, academia, media, government, and the private sector to make evidence-informed choices that advance reconciliation and social cohesion.

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At a time when Sri Lankans grapple with deepening divides, The Insights Initiative emerges with a simple but powerful conviction: sustainable cohesion begins with listening.

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To read more, access www.insightsinitiative.com

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