In this era of globalization where Sri Lanka's trade accounts for over 70 per cent of its GDP, and at a time when Sri Lanka's jurisdiction over the ocean (Lanka Samudra) has increased by over eight times, which could, inter-alia, significantly boost the economic development of the country, the International Economic Policy Unit of IPS will, through its research agenda and advisory work, play a major role in providing policy advice to the Government and the people of Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka has been engaged in a plethora of multilateral, regional and bilateral trade goods liberalization measures; however, it is now imperative that the country moves forward in the liberalization of services such as commercial presence and movements of persons. These liberalization measures are directly affected by both border and non-border policies. Therefore, the International Economic Policy Unit places important emphasis on advising the Government and its people on policy direction, thereby strengthening the country's capacity for policy implementation in an effective and coherent manner. The Unit collaborates with governmental institutions, NGOs, and donor agencies to achieve its goals.

Vision

The vision of the International Economic Policy Unit of IPS is to become the premier research and policy advisory unit in the area of International Economics in Sri Lanka, and to achieve a high competitive standard among similar institutions in South Asia through the timely delivery of high-quality research. The Unit also intends to be a catalyst in creating a national policy towards trade and financial liberalization in Sri Lanka. Therefore, while its emphasis is on applied research, the unit will maintain close links with key institutions such as Sri Lanka Customs, Department of Commerce, Central Bank of Sri Lanka, and the Ministry of Finance, etc.