Verité Research Seminar at RIC Bridges the Gap Between Academia and Real-World Policy

17th June 2025
Tharika Perera

On February 20th, 2025, the Royal Institute of Colombo (RIC) welcomed experts from Verité Research for a compelling two-part educational seminar that gave students a unique insight into how research intersects with media, economics, and public policy. The event was held at the RIC premises and featured presentations from Verité’s Economic, Media, and Parliamentary Research teams.

What made this seminar particularly special was that both sessions were led by RIC alumni, offering students not just academic knowledge, but relatable inspiration. Raj Prabu Rajakulendran and Mahoshadi Pieries—an LLB graduate of RIC—returned to their alma mater to share their research and professional experiences, making the event both informative and personally meaningful for many in the audience.

Seminar Schedule & Highlights

“Is the Media an Enabler or Disabler of Democracy?”
Presented by the Media and Parliamentary Research Team, this session explored the role of media in shaping public perception, political accountability, and democratic processes. Using case studies and ongoing research, the team encouraged students to critically evaluate the trustworthiness, ownership structures, and influence of media in South Asia.

This segment was especially relevant for BSc students in International Relations and LLB, who were able to see firsthand how legal and global political frameworks are influenced by information systems and media narratives.

“Unlocking the Power of Research: Demystifying Complexity”
Led by the Economics Team, this session aimed to help students understand how data and evidence-based research can influence policy, budgeting, and socio-economic decisions. The presentation included real-world examples of how complex economic problems can be simplified for public understanding and policymaking.

Students from Economics, Finance, Mathematics, and Management programmes found this session particularly valuable, as it tied their academic knowledge directly to Sri Lanka’s development challenges and solutions.

Why It Mattered for EMFSS Students

This seminar was particularly important for students studying under the EMFSS curriculum, especially those in their first and second years. With the introduction of the Dissertation module in the 2025/2026 academic year, early exposure to real-world research methods, data interpretation, and critical inquiry is essential.

By interacting with researchers who have applied their academic training to practical challenges in the field, students gained clarity on how to approach complex topics in their future coursework and dissertations.

The event was not only informative but also sparked deep intellectual curiosity among participants. Chenuka Elwitigala (reading for BSc in Politics and International Relations), one of the students who attended both sessions, shared:

“Both sessions provided valuable insights and left me with important questions to reflect on—exactly what meaningful learning should do.”

This sentiment was echoed by many who appreciated the opportunity to engage with research professionals and gain fresh perspectives on their academic journeys.

A Glimpse into the Future

The event served not only as a knowledge-sharing session but also as a bridge between university education and professional research. For many students, hearing from RIC alumni who are now working on national-level research projects was a reminder of the paths they can take.

Through events like this, RIC continues to bring the world of policymaking and research closer to its students—fostering a learning environment that is both academically rigorous and socially relevant.