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.
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...
"NEW POLICY REPORT: We look at how Sri Lanka's polycrisis has impacted the economic, social and cultural rights of working class poor families in Colombo. Despite clear State obligations, there are persistent gaps between formal commitments and reality.
www.csf-asia.org/covid-19-eco...
www.csf-asia.org/covid-19-eco...
COVID-19, Economic Crisis, and the Erosion of Sri Lanka’s Economic, Social and Cultural Rights Commitments
Sri Lanka is a state party to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR), obligated to progressively realise rights such as adequate food, housing, health, education, ...
https://www.csf-asia.org/covid-19-economic-crisis-and-the-erosion-of-sri-lankas-economic-social-and-cultural-rights-commitments/"
September 3, 2025 at 12:33 AM
"NEW POLICY REPORT: We look at how Sri Lanka's polycrisis has impacted the economic, social and cultural rights of working class poor families in Colombo. Despite clear State obligations, there are persistent gaps between formal commitments and reality.
www.csf-asia.org/covid-19-eco...
www.csf-asia.org/covid-19-eco...
What is hostile architecture and how does it impact us? Does Colombo have hostile or exclusionary infrastructure in public spaces? Read our latest StoryMap and see the map of locations, and why Sri Lanka must avoid this type of urban design.
storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/a277...
storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/a277...
https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/a277fd30920c423188d80b0832310b25"
August 27, 2025 at 8:58 AM
What is hostile architecture and how does it impact us? Does Colombo have hostile or exclusionary infrastructure in public spaces? Read our latest StoryMap and see the map of locations, and why Sri Lanka must avoid this type of urban design.
storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/a277...
storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/a277...
Missed our webinar 'Boiling Point'? It is now up on our Youtube channel!
Read our policy brief on the impact of heat stress on outdoor workers.
To watch the webinar- www.youtube.com/watch?v=XDFI...
To read the policy brief-https://tinyurl.com/2n22zh9u
Read our policy brief on the impact of heat stress on outdoor workers.
To watch the webinar- www.youtube.com/watch?v=XDFI...
To read the policy brief-https://tinyurl.com/2n22zh9u
Boiling Point Webinar July 2025
YouTube video by Centre for a Smart Future
www.youtube.com
August 5, 2025 at 11:21 AM
Missed our webinar 'Boiling Point'? It is now up on our Youtube channel!
Read our policy brief on the impact of heat stress on outdoor workers.
To watch the webinar- www.youtube.com/watch?v=XDFI...
To read the policy brief-https://tinyurl.com/2n22zh9u
Read our policy brief on the impact of heat stress on outdoor workers.
To watch the webinar- www.youtube.com/watch?v=XDFI...
To read the policy brief-https://tinyurl.com/2n22zh9u
The first journal article from our FRESH food environments research with @ids.ac.uk is now out - We discuss the methodology, framework, application and findings in Colombo, Sri Lanka.
www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti... "
www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti... "
Centring lived experiences in food environment research: A methodological framework and application in Colombo, Sri Lanka
Poor-quality diets and diet-related non-communicable diseases are a pressing global issue. Food environments, where everyday food choices intersect wi…
www.sciencedirect.com
August 1, 2025 at 10:47 AM
The first journal article from our FRESH food environments research with @ids.ac.uk is now out - We discuss the methodology, framework, application and findings in Colombo, Sri Lanka.
www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti... "
www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti... "
WEBINAR STARTING IN 30 MINUTES
We present findings from our policy brief on heat stress and outdoor workers, followed by a panel on extreme heat in South Asia, its unequal impacts and urgent policy responses.
Join here: us02web.zoom.us/j/88231558646.
We present findings from our policy brief on heat stress and outdoor workers, followed by a panel on extreme heat in South Asia, its unequal impacts and urgent policy responses.
Join here: us02web.zoom.us/j/88231558646.
July 22, 2025 at 12:29 PM
WEBINAR STARTING IN 30 MINUTES
We present findings from our policy brief on heat stress and outdoor workers, followed by a panel on extreme heat in South Asia, its unequal impacts and urgent policy responses.
Join here: us02web.zoom.us/j/88231558646.
We present findings from our policy brief on heat stress and outdoor workers, followed by a panel on extreme heat in South Asia, its unequal impacts and urgent policy responses.
Join here: us02web.zoom.us/j/88231558646.
HAPPENING TODAY
Join our webinar ‘Boiling Point’ at 6:30 PM IST / 2:00 PM UK.
We’ll share key insights on heat stress & outdoor workers, and discuss extreme heat in South Asia, its unequal impacts, & policy solutions.
Click here to join: us02web.zoom.us/j/88231558646
Join our webinar ‘Boiling Point’ at 6:30 PM IST / 2:00 PM UK.
We’ll share key insights on heat stress & outdoor workers, and discuss extreme heat in South Asia, its unequal impacts, & policy solutions.
Click here to join: us02web.zoom.us/j/88231558646
July 22, 2025 at 3:40 AM
HAPPENING TODAY
Join our webinar ‘Boiling Point’ at 6:30 PM IST / 2:00 PM UK.
We’ll share key insights on heat stress & outdoor workers, and discuss extreme heat in South Asia, its unequal impacts, & policy solutions.
Click here to join: us02web.zoom.us/j/88231558646
Join our webinar ‘Boiling Point’ at 6:30 PM IST / 2:00 PM UK.
We’ll share key insights on heat stress & outdoor workers, and discuss extreme heat in South Asia, its unequal impacts, & policy solutions.
Click here to join: us02web.zoom.us/j/88231558646
HAPPENING TOMORROW
Our webinar ‘Boiling Point’ will present findings from our report on heat stress in Colombo, followed by a discussion on extreme heat in South Asia and policy solutions.
Time: 6.30pm IST/ 2.00pm UK
Click here to join: us02web.zoom.us/j/88231558646
Our webinar ‘Boiling Point’ will present findings from our report on heat stress in Colombo, followed by a discussion on extreme heat in South Asia and policy solutions.
Time: 6.30pm IST/ 2.00pm UK
Click here to join: us02web.zoom.us/j/88231558646
July 21, 2025 at 3:12 AM
HAPPENING TOMORROW
Our webinar ‘Boiling Point’ will present findings from our report on heat stress in Colombo, followed by a discussion on extreme heat in South Asia and policy solutions.
Time: 6.30pm IST/ 2.00pm UK
Click here to join: us02web.zoom.us/j/88231558646
Our webinar ‘Boiling Point’ will present findings from our report on heat stress in Colombo, followed by a discussion on extreme heat in South Asia and policy solutions.
Time: 6.30pm IST/ 2.00pm UK
Click here to join: us02web.zoom.us/j/88231558646
Join us this weekend as Colombo Urban Lab’s Iromi Perera speaks at There Was Something Here Before — an exhibition tracing the entangled histories of slavery, memory & urban space between Sri Lanka & South Africa.
🗓️ July 19 📍Arcade Clock Tower, Colombo 7
Free Entry
🗓️ July 19 📍Arcade Clock Tower, Colombo 7
Free Entry
July 17, 2025 at 6:17 AM
Join us this weekend as Colombo Urban Lab’s Iromi Perera speaks at There Was Something Here Before — an exhibition tracing the entangled histories of slavery, memory & urban space between Sri Lanka & South Africa.
🗓️ July 19 📍Arcade Clock Tower, Colombo 7
Free Entry
🗓️ July 19 📍Arcade Clock Tower, Colombo 7
Free Entry
Colombo is at a critical juncture in urban planning and climate adaptation. Read our policy brief to understand the effect of heat stress on outdoor workers and actionable ways forward to build a climate-resilient city.
Read here: 🔗http://bit.ly/46EQ4EX
Read here: 🔗http://bit.ly/46EQ4EX
July 16, 2025 at 3:39 AM
Colombo is at a critical juncture in urban planning and climate adaptation. Read our policy brief to understand the effect of heat stress on outdoor workers and actionable ways forward to build a climate-resilient city.
Read here: 🔗http://bit.ly/46EQ4EX
Read here: 🔗http://bit.ly/46EQ4EX