About the Social Scientists’ Association

The Social Scientists’ Association (SSA) was founded in 1977, at a turning point in Sri Lankan politics, economy, and society, marked by among other aspects: the ‘open economy’ market reforms; deepening ethnic conflict; and the growing concentration of executive power. Its initiators were academics from public universities, seeking an autonomous space to grapple with these shifts; and to promote progressive political, economic, and social change.

The objectives of the SSA, as framed at inception, are as follows:

• Undertake, sponsor or co-ordinate research projects in the social sciences.
• Publish original research in the social sciences, and disseminate their findings as widely as possible; and to make available to the public, by sale or otherwise, works on the social sciences, originating in Sri Lanka.
• Develop and organise a library and documentation centre.
• Serve as a forum of debate and discussion among both social scientists and the public.
• Participate in programmes designed to further development and social change.
• Undertake and perform any other activities incidental to the furtherance of the above.

The SSA is recognised for its contribution to research and publication on themes such as ethnicity and nationalism; economic liberalisation and agrarian political economy; women’s and labour history; feminism and gender justice; democracy and state reform; conflict transformation and peace-building, etc. It has been home to many public intellectuals. The SSA organises regular public discussions, book launches, workshops, and conferences, and is active on social media (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X, YouTube). The digitalisation of our classic out-of-print publications for open access via our website is underway. The SSA library catalogue is searchable online.

See for more information: https://ssalanka.org/