About Us

The Population Association of Sri Lanka (PASL) is a national professional and academic body dedicated to advancing the study and application of Demography and Population Studies in Sri Lanka. PASL brings together researchers, educators, policymakers, and development practitioners to promote evidence-based understanding of population dynamics and their implications for sustainable development.

PASL works across research, training, policy dialogue, and community engagement to strengthen the use of population data and analysis in addressing national development challenges. Through conferences, workshops, partnerships, and public programmes, the Association promotes collaboration between universities, government institutions, civil society, and the private sector.

PASL is guided by the following core objectives:

• To promote research in Demography and Population Studies, with special reference to the Sri Lankan context.
• To strengthen collaboration and professional networks among individuals engaged in teaching, research, policy planning, and implementation in population-related fields.
• To disseminate knowledge on Demography and Population Studies, and actively encourage interest in the subject within institutions of higher learning and relevant organizations.
• To raise public awareness on Population and Development issues, with the aim of contributing to informed public debate and influencing evidence-based policy.

PASL undertakes a wide range of academic, policy, training, and outreach activities to fulfill its mission, including:

• Annual Research Conference – A national and international forum for the dissemination and exchange of new research ideas in demography and population studies.
• Policy Dialogues – Structured engagements with government, development partners, and stakeholders to inform population-related policies using evidence-based insights.
• Public-Private Sector Partnerships – Collaboration to identify priority population and development challenges and address them through integrated, multidisciplinary approaches.
• Community Outreach and Awareness Programmes – Initiatives to raise awareness and build capacity within communities across Sri Lanka.
• Awareness Programmes for Children, Youth, Workforce, and Elderly Populations – Targeted educational and engagement activities for different population groups.
• Training in Research Methodology and Data Analysis – Capacity-building programmes for students, researchers, and professionals in demographic and social science research.
• Training in Research Methodology and Data Analysis – Capacity-building programmes for students, researchers, and professionals in demographic and social science research.

PASL’s work spans a broad range of population and development themes, including:

• Reproductive Health and Health Promotion
• Fertility, Mortality, and Migration Dynamics
• Gender Equality and Gender-Based Violence Prevention
• Population Education and Lifelong Learning
• Disaster Risk Reduction and Population in Emergencies
• Use of Population Data and Evidence for Decision-Making, including strengthening data systems and Data Centres (DCs)

Through research, dialogue, training, and community engagement, PASL connects evidence with action and contributes to inclusive and sustainable development in Sri Lanka