Colombo Urban Lab
@colombourbanlab.bsky.social
With a focus on themes such as infrastructure, food environment, social security, public space; and rooted in ethical engagement with communities, our mission is to produce knowledge on equitable and sustainable cities in Sri Lanka.
Cost, safety concerns, and social norms make daycares a rare choice for Colombo's working mothers, even when facilities exist. Investing in care infrastructure must address trust and affordability.
Read more here: www.csf-asia.org/social-prote...
(Continued below)
Read more here: www.csf-asia.org/social-prote...
(Continued below)
January 29, 2026 at 3:30 AM
Cost, safety concerns, and social norms make daycares a rare choice for Colombo's working mothers, even when facilities exist. Investing in care infrastructure must address trust and affordability.
Read more here: www.csf-asia.org/social-prote...
(Continued below)
Read more here: www.csf-asia.org/social-prote...
(Continued below)
Some scenes from our report discussion last week on social protection and urban infrastructures of care.
Full report: www.csf-asia.org/social-prote...
Summary (Tamil): www.csf-asia.org/wp-content/u...
Summary (Sinhala): www.csf-asia.org/wp-content/u...
Supported by UNICEF Sri Lanka.
Full report: www.csf-asia.org/social-prote...
Summary (Tamil): www.csf-asia.org/wp-content/u...
Summary (Sinhala): www.csf-asia.org/wp-content/u...
Supported by UNICEF Sri Lanka.
January 28, 2026 at 3:03 AM
Some scenes from our report discussion last week on social protection and urban infrastructures of care.
Full report: www.csf-asia.org/social-prote...
Summary (Tamil): www.csf-asia.org/wp-content/u...
Summary (Sinhala): www.csf-asia.org/wp-content/u...
Supported by UNICEF Sri Lanka.
Full report: www.csf-asia.org/social-prote...
Summary (Tamil): www.csf-asia.org/wp-content/u...
Summary (Sinhala): www.csf-asia.org/wp-content/u...
Supported by UNICEF Sri Lanka.
Returning to work after childbirth is a major challenge for working mothers in Colombo. Our research shows why maternity protections, care infrastructure, and financial support are essential.
Full report: www.csf-asia.org/social-prote...
This work has been supported by UNICEF Sri Lanka
Full report: www.csf-asia.org/social-prote...
This work has been supported by UNICEF Sri Lanka
January 27, 2026 at 4:27 AM
Returning to work after childbirth is a major challenge for working mothers in Colombo. Our research shows why maternity protections, care infrastructure, and financial support are essential.
Full report: www.csf-asia.org/social-prote...
This work has been supported by UNICEF Sri Lanka
Full report: www.csf-asia.org/social-prote...
This work has been supported by UNICEF Sri Lanka
Working mothers in Colombo juggle care and work daily. Our research highlights recommendations that can support women across households and workplaces.
Full report: www.csf-asia.org/social-prote...
Summaries:
Sinhala: www.csf-asia.org/wp-content/u...
Tamil: www.csf-asia.org/wp-content/u...
Full report: www.csf-asia.org/social-prote...
Summaries:
Sinhala: www.csf-asia.org/wp-content/u...
Tamil: www.csf-asia.org/wp-content/u...
January 26, 2026 at 3:51 AM
Working mothers in Colombo juggle care and work daily. Our research highlights recommendations that can support women across households and workplaces.
Full report: www.csf-asia.org/social-prote...
Summaries:
Sinhala: www.csf-asia.org/wp-content/u...
Tamil: www.csf-asia.org/wp-content/u...
Full report: www.csf-asia.org/social-prote...
Summaries:
Sinhala: www.csf-asia.org/wp-content/u...
Tamil: www.csf-asia.org/wp-content/u...
Key reflections from our recent report discussion on social protection and urban infrastructures of care.
Full report: www.csf-asia.org/social-prote...
Summary in Sinhala: www.csf-asia.org/wp-content/u...
Summary in Tamil: www.csf-asia.org/wp-content/u...
This work was supported by UNICEF Sri Lanka
Full report: www.csf-asia.org/social-prote...
Summary in Sinhala: www.csf-asia.org/wp-content/u...
Summary in Tamil: www.csf-asia.org/wp-content/u...
This work was supported by UNICEF Sri Lanka
January 23, 2026 at 4:51 AM
Key reflections from our recent report discussion on social protection and urban infrastructures of care.
Full report: www.csf-asia.org/social-prote...
Summary in Sinhala: www.csf-asia.org/wp-content/u...
Summary in Tamil: www.csf-asia.org/wp-content/u...
This work was supported by UNICEF Sri Lanka
Full report: www.csf-asia.org/social-prote...
Summary in Sinhala: www.csf-asia.org/wp-content/u...
Summary in Tamil: www.csf-asia.org/wp-content/u...
This work was supported by UNICEF Sri Lanka
The findings of our report, Social Protection and Urban Infrastructures of Care in Colombo, are now available in Sinhala and Tamil.
The summaries highlight key findings on care, work, and social protection in Sri Lanka.
See links below
The summaries highlight key findings on care, work, and social protection in Sri Lanka.
See links below
January 20, 2026 at 4:30 AM
The findings of our report, Social Protection and Urban Infrastructures of Care in Colombo, are now available in Sinhala and Tamil.
The summaries highlight key findings on care, work, and social protection in Sri Lanka.
See links below
The summaries highlight key findings on care, work, and social protection in Sri Lanka.
See links below
NEW REPORT: Social Protection and Urban Infrastructures of Care in Colombo
Based on research with working-class mothers in Colombo, the report shows why social protection must go beyond cash transfers and treat care as essential infrastructure
Read here: www.csf-asia.org/social-prote...
Based on research with working-class mothers in Colombo, the report shows why social protection must go beyond cash transfers and treat care as essential infrastructure
Read here: www.csf-asia.org/social-prote...
January 19, 2026 at 11:03 AM
NEW REPORT: Social Protection and Urban Infrastructures of Care in Colombo
Based on research with working-class mothers in Colombo, the report shows why social protection must go beyond cash transfers and treat care as essential infrastructure
Read here: www.csf-asia.org/social-prote...
Based on research with working-class mothers in Colombo, the report shows why social protection must go beyond cash transfers and treat care as essential infrastructure
Read here: www.csf-asia.org/social-prote...
Join us for the launch of our new report where we explore how working mothers balance work & care, and why strengthening social protection is vital for care, and caregivers. Limited seats – register here:
forms.gle/xTARjVdwicpa...
forms.gle/xTARjVdwicpa...
January 13, 2026 at 12:08 PM
Join us for the launch of our new report where we explore how working mothers balance work & care, and why strengthening social protection is vital for care, and caregivers. Limited seats – register here:
forms.gle/xTARjVdwicpa...
forms.gle/xTARjVdwicpa...
Popular narratives around social protection are deeply flawed and vilify already vulnerable communities.
This article by CUL's Iromi Perera unpacks the myths about social protection in Sri Lanka, to show why dignity, universality, and rights-based systems matter for just recovery. See linked below
This article by CUL's Iromi Perera unpacks the myths about social protection in Sri Lanka, to show why dignity, universality, and rights-based systems matter for just recovery. See linked below
January 8, 2026 at 4:05 AM
Popular narratives around social protection are deeply flawed and vilify already vulnerable communities.
This article by CUL's Iromi Perera unpacks the myths about social protection in Sri Lanka, to show why dignity, universality, and rights-based systems matter for just recovery. See linked below
This article by CUL's Iromi Perera unpacks the myths about social protection in Sri Lanka, to show why dignity, universality, and rights-based systems matter for just recovery. See linked below
In our recovery from Cyclone Ditwah, ad-hoc targetted cash transfers will not suffice as many urban poor families still fall through the cracks.
We need universal, dignified social protection for real recovery.
Read more here:
www.csf-asia.org/how-can-colo...
We need universal, dignified social protection for real recovery.
Read more here:
www.csf-asia.org/how-can-colo...
December 12, 2025 at 6:48 AM
In our recovery from Cyclone Ditwah, ad-hoc targetted cash transfers will not suffice as many urban poor families still fall through the cracks.
We need universal, dignified social protection for real recovery.
Read more here:
www.csf-asia.org/how-can-colo...
We need universal, dignified social protection for real recovery.
Read more here:
www.csf-asia.org/how-can-colo...
Ditwah exposed how unprepared our systems are. Without real data on vulnerabilities, shelters, income loss, or displacement, relief becomes unequal.
Transformative recovery needs proactive planning with communities.
Read more here:
www.csf-asia.org/how-can-colo...
Transformative recovery needs proactive planning with communities.
Read more here:
www.csf-asia.org/how-can-colo...
December 11, 2025 at 3:32 AM
Ditwah exposed how unprepared our systems are. Without real data on vulnerabilities, shelters, income loss, or displacement, relief becomes unequal.
Transformative recovery needs proactive planning with communities.
Read more here:
www.csf-asia.org/how-can-colo...
Transformative recovery needs proactive planning with communities.
Read more here:
www.csf-asia.org/how-can-colo...
The floods following Cyclone Ditwah exposed deep gaps in Sri Lanka’s disaster planning, social protection, and urban policy.
We break down the three shifts Colombo needs to build back better.
Read the article here www.csf-asia.org/how-can-colo...
We break down the three shifts Colombo needs to build back better.
Read the article here www.csf-asia.org/how-can-colo...
December 10, 2025 at 5:18 AM
The floods following Cyclone Ditwah exposed deep gaps in Sri Lanka’s disaster planning, social protection, and urban policy.
We break down the three shifts Colombo needs to build back better.
Read the article here www.csf-asia.org/how-can-colo...
We break down the three shifts Colombo needs to build back better.
Read the article here www.csf-asia.org/how-can-colo...
"What happens when export-focused infrastructure meets everyday food realities in Colombo?
Colombo Urban Lab Research Associate Meghal Perera’s article in @roadsides.bsky.social reveals how vendors reshape the cold chain to survive.
Read it here: roadsides.webflow.io/articles/8248 "
Colombo Urban Lab Research Associate Meghal Perera’s article in @roadsides.bsky.social reveals how vendors reshape the cold chain to survive.
Read it here: roadsides.webflow.io/articles/8248 "
November 27, 2025 at 5:00 AM
"What happens when export-focused infrastructure meets everyday food realities in Colombo?
Colombo Urban Lab Research Associate Meghal Perera’s article in @roadsides.bsky.social reveals how vendors reshape the cold chain to survive.
Read it here: roadsides.webflow.io/articles/8248 "
Colombo Urban Lab Research Associate Meghal Perera’s article in @roadsides.bsky.social reveals how vendors reshape the cold chain to survive.
Read it here: roadsides.webflow.io/articles/8248 "
"Devana Senanayake’s article for The New Inquiry draws on CUL's research, including URP review ""Built on Sand"", and features insights from director Iromi Perera on how “slum-free” policies deepen poverty and erase decades of housing gains.
Read here: thenewinquiry.com/housing-cris...
Read here: thenewinquiry.com/housing-cris...
Housing Crisis in the “Garden City of the East”
people in cities across the Global North are unable to access affordable housing, their comrades in the Global South are dispossessed of houses that they and their families have lived in for genera…
https://thenewinquiry.com/housing-crisis-in-the-garden-city-of-the-east/"
November 25, 2025 at 3:06 AM
"Devana Senanayake’s article for The New Inquiry draws on CUL's research, including URP review ""Built on Sand"", and features insights from director Iromi Perera on how “slum-free” policies deepen poverty and erase decades of housing gains.
Read here: thenewinquiry.com/housing-cris...
Read here: thenewinquiry.com/housing-cris...
Colombo Urban Lab’s Iromi Perera will join a panel at Sri Lanka Design Festival 2025 titled "Branding Cities for People, Not Just Tourists"
🗓️ Sunday, 23 November 2025, 15.45- 16.45
📍 Level 8, The Shoppes, Cinnamon Life
To learn more and register, visit www.srilankadesignfestival.lk
🗓️ Sunday, 23 November 2025, 15.45- 16.45
📍 Level 8, The Shoppes, Cinnamon Life
To learn more and register, visit www.srilankadesignfestival.lk
November 19, 2025 at 3:19 PM
Colombo Urban Lab’s Iromi Perera will join a panel at Sri Lanka Design Festival 2025 titled "Branding Cities for People, Not Just Tourists"
🗓️ Sunday, 23 November 2025, 15.45- 16.45
📍 Level 8, The Shoppes, Cinnamon Life
To learn more and register, visit www.srilankadesignfestival.lk
🗓️ Sunday, 23 November 2025, 15.45- 16.45
📍 Level 8, The Shoppes, Cinnamon Life
To learn more and register, visit www.srilankadesignfestival.lk
Leisure isn’t a luxury - it’s a right.
In Colombo’s low-income communities, parks are vital for care, safety, and connection.
Stories from 4 parks in Wanathamulla show how communities turn space into belonging.
Link to the long read here: storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/3971...
In Colombo’s low-income communities, parks are vital for care, safety, and connection.
Stories from 4 parks in Wanathamulla show how communities turn space into belonging.
Link to the long read here: storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/3971...
October 24, 2025 at 8:05 AM
Leisure isn’t a luxury - it’s a right.
In Colombo’s low-income communities, parks are vital for care, safety, and connection.
Stories from 4 parks in Wanathamulla show how communities turn space into belonging.
Link to the long read here: storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/3971...
In Colombo’s low-income communities, parks are vital for care, safety, and connection.
Stories from 4 parks in Wanathamulla show how communities turn space into belonging.
Link to the long read here: storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/3971...
Have you read the latest edition of Colombo Urban Lab's New Publications Newsletter?
Inside, you’ll find a round-up of our recent publications and articles.
Read it here: mailchi.mp/bdf7f65eef55...
Inside, you’ll find a round-up of our recent publications and articles.
Read it here: mailchi.mp/bdf7f65eef55...
Colombo Urban Lab | New Publications
mailchi.mp
October 2, 2025 at 3:21 AM
Have you read the latest edition of Colombo Urban Lab's New Publications Newsletter?
Inside, you’ll find a round-up of our recent publications and articles.
Read it here: mailchi.mp/bdf7f65eef55...
Inside, you’ll find a round-up of our recent publications and articles.
Read it here: mailchi.mp/bdf7f65eef55...
CSF Director Iromi Perera will speak at the National Symposium on Housing at Temple Trees, organised by the Ministry of Urban Development, Construction and Housing alongside World Habitat Day 2025, focusing on inclusive & sustainable housing for Sri Lanka
October 1, 2025 at 10:17 AM
CSF Director Iromi Perera will speak at the National Symposium on Housing at Temple Trees, organised by the Ministry of Urban Development, Construction and Housing alongside World Habitat Day 2025, focusing on inclusive & sustainable housing for Sri Lanka
CUL researcher Meghal Perera shares her thoughts in The Examiner on how Colombo’s lack of toilets and gender-inclusive planning “shortens” women’s geography.
Read the article here: www.examiner.media/number-two-p...
Read the article here: www.examiner.media/number-two-p...
https://www.examiner.media/number-two-priority-how-colombos-urban-planners-forgot-toilets-2/"
September 25, 2025 at 9:38 AM
CUL researcher Meghal Perera shares her thoughts in The Examiner on how Colombo’s lack of toilets and gender-inclusive planning “shortens” women’s geography.
Read the article here: www.examiner.media/number-two-p...
Read the article here: www.examiner.media/number-two-p...
Evicted overnight. Homes bulldozed. Compensation denied. Colombo’s “beautification” was enforced through militarised planning.
Read how poverty was policed through planning : www.csf-asia.org/criminalisat...
Read how poverty was policed through planning : www.csf-asia.org/criminalisat...
September 22, 2025 at 2:08 AM
Evicted overnight. Homes bulldozed. Compensation denied. Colombo’s “beautification” was enforced through militarised planning.
Read how poverty was policed through planning : www.csf-asia.org/criminalisat...
Read how poverty was policed through planning : www.csf-asia.org/criminalisat...
In Colombo, eviction was framed as liberation.
Media & state narratives cast poor communities as “squatters” & “slum dwellers,” justifying their removal.
Learn how stories were used as a strategy to criminalise Colombo's urban poor: www.csf-asia.org/criminalisat... "
Media & state narratives cast poor communities as “squatters” & “slum dwellers,” justifying their removal.
Learn how stories were used as a strategy to criminalise Colombo's urban poor: www.csf-asia.org/criminalisat... "
September 19, 2025 at 4:24 AM
In Colombo, eviction was framed as liberation.
Media & state narratives cast poor communities as “squatters” & “slum dwellers,” justifying their removal.
Learn how stories were used as a strategy to criminalise Colombo's urban poor: www.csf-asia.org/criminalisat... "
Media & state narratives cast poor communities as “squatters” & “slum dwellers,” justifying their removal.
Learn how stories were used as a strategy to criminalise Colombo's urban poor: www.csf-asia.org/criminalisat... "
Colombo’s wattes are rooted, self-built communities. Yet in the race to be “world-class,” they were recast as disorderly & removed. Urban planning became a tool of criminalisation.
Read more: www.csf-asia.org/criminalisat...
Read more: www.csf-asia.org/criminalisat...
September 18, 2025 at 3:13 AM
Colombo’s wattes are rooted, self-built communities. Yet in the race to be “world-class,” they were recast as disorderly & removed. Urban planning became a tool of criminalisation.
Read more: www.csf-asia.org/criminalisat...
Read more: www.csf-asia.org/criminalisat...
What does it mean when informality is treated as a crime?
In Colombo, criminalisation is not just about what happens after an arrest. It is built into laws, planning, and design.
Learn how Colombo’s poor are criminalised beyond courts and prisons : csf-asia.org/criminalisat...
In Colombo, criminalisation is not just about what happens after an arrest. It is built into laws, planning, and design.
Learn how Colombo’s poor are criminalised beyond courts and prisons : csf-asia.org/criminalisat...
September 17, 2025 at 7:56 AM
What does it mean when informality is treated as a crime?
In Colombo, criminalisation is not just about what happens after an arrest. It is built into laws, planning, and design.
Learn how Colombo’s poor are criminalised beyond courts and prisons : csf-asia.org/criminalisat...
In Colombo, criminalisation is not just about what happens after an arrest. It is built into laws, planning, and design.
Learn how Colombo’s poor are criminalised beyond courts and prisons : csf-asia.org/criminalisat...
In Colombo, poverty itself is punished.
From street vending to self-built settlements, survival strategies are recast as unlawful. Evictions, militarised planning & high-rises turn homes into carceral spaces.
Read our full article: www.csf-asia.org/criminalisat...
From street vending to self-built settlements, survival strategies are recast as unlawful. Evictions, militarised planning & high-rises turn homes into carceral spaces.
Read our full article: www.csf-asia.org/criminalisat...
Criminalisation of Poverty in Colombo
Criminalisation is often understood narrowly—as something that happens after a crime, involving police, courts, and prisons. But we argue that criminalisation is not only about breaking laws; it is ab...
https://www.csf-asia.org/criminalisation-of-poverty-in-colombo/"
September 16, 2025 at 3:23 AM
In Colombo, poverty itself is punished.
From street vending to self-built settlements, survival strategies are recast as unlawful. Evictions, militarised planning & high-rises turn homes into carceral spaces.
Read our full article: www.csf-asia.org/criminalisat...
From street vending to self-built settlements, survival strategies are recast as unlawful. Evictions, militarised planning & high-rises turn homes into carceral spaces.
Read our full article: www.csf-asia.org/criminalisat...
Colombo is being reshaped to look “world-class” — but often at the cost of inclusivity.
Hostile architecture makes public spaces less welcoming for citizens, while prioritising visitors.
Read our StoryMap to learn more: storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/a277...
Hostile architecture makes public spaces less welcoming for citizens, while prioritising visitors.
Read our StoryMap to learn more: storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/a277...
September 11, 2025 at 2:53 AM
Colombo is being reshaped to look “world-class” — but often at the cost of inclusivity.
Hostile architecture makes public spaces less welcoming for citizens, while prioritising visitors.
Read our StoryMap to learn more: storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/a277...
Hostile architecture makes public spaces less welcoming for citizens, while prioritising visitors.
Read our StoryMap to learn more: storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/a277...