About Us

Polity is a left magazine published by the Social Scientists’ Association (SSA) since 2003. We aim to advance democratic consciousness, gender equality, state reform, and social justice in Sri Lanka, while interested in South Asia and the World. Like its predecessor Pravada (1991-2002) we publish on politics, political economy, history, women, ethnicity, sexualities, religion, labour studies, agrarian relations, nationalisms, violence, environment, and much more. Currently two print issues (June and December) appear each year.

Since 2022 Polity is online to expand its reach and stimulate wider and more diverse interaction with its content and concerns. In addition to scholarly essays based on research; and long-form book, drama, and film reviews, the editors welcome analytical commentaries on contemporary issues, 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.

Pravada was founded by Charles Abeysekera, Kumari Jayawardena, and Jayadeva Uyangoda. Past editors 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 between August 2022 and August 2023. Polity is presently edited by Chulani Kodikara, Balasingham Skanthakumar, and Rebecca Surenthiraraj.