About Us

Polity is a magazine which aims to advance democratic consciousness, gender equality, state reform, and social change in Sri Lanka, while interested in South Asia and the World.

As its predecessor Pravada (1991-2002), Polity is published by the Social Scientists’ Association in Colombo (since 2003), with critical content on politics, political economy, history, women, ethnicity, sexualities, religion, labour studies, agrarian relations, nationalisms, violence, ecology, and much more.

In addition to scholarly essays; and long-form book, drama, and film reviews, the editors’ welcome analytical commentaries on contemporary concerns, think pieces, work-in-progress, interviews, field notes, photo-essays, and are pleased to feature creative writing and illustration including short stories, poems, and graphic art.

Polity (since 2022) is a hybrid publication, with regular new content on our website, curated twice a year in two print versions (June and December) of over 100 pages each. For updates, follow us on any of our social media platforms.

Pravada was founded by Charles Abeysekera, Kumari Jayawardena, and Jayadeva Uyangoda. Past editors of Pravada/Polity have been Shani Jayawardena, Lakmali Gunawardena, Vivimarie VanderPoorten, Rasika Chandrasekera, Morina Perera, Chandrika Widanapathirana, Andi Schubert, and Hasini Lecamwasam. Dominic Esler was book review editor (August 2022-August 2023). Polity is presently edited by Chulani Kodikara, Balasingham Skanthakumar, and Rebecca Surenthiraraj.