Making use of the wealth of knowledge and experience in development studies gained over the last 35 years, the Marga Institute is now launching a combined basic theoretical and practical course to sharpen research skills in social science research.

During the last five years the Marga Institute has collaborated with the OUSL to conduct a course for the Master's degree in Development Studies and Public Policy that has been designed to suit the special and unique context of development in Sri Lanka. Taking account of the increasing demand for this course and the special needs of students seeking to improve their knowledge and skills in the social sciences the Marga Institute has decided to commence a course in "Research Methodology"

Ms. Myrtle Perera, Vice Chairperson and Spokesperson for the Institute stated that there have been many expressions of interests from students and practitioners of social science research over the recent years concerning a course of this nature.

The Education Department of the Marga Institute is currently conducting an MA and a Postgraduate Degree in Development Studies in collaboration with the Open University of Sri Lanka.
The faculty comprises of a distinguished panel of lecturers such as Dr. Godfrey Gunatilleke, Professor Sirimevan Colombage, Professor Upali Vidanapathirana, Professor Senaka Dias Bandaranayake, Dr. Asoka Silva, Dr. A.S. Chandrabose, Dr. Mahim Mendis, Dr. Nimal Sandaratne and Dr. Nimal Gunatilleke. This MA course has been carried out for the last four years and many requests have come through the students for the Institute to carry out a systematic course in research methodology.

The aim of Marga Education Division has been to impart the knowledge gained through the work that has been carried out by the Institute and constantly develop, design and introduce methodologies for Development Research in a multi-disciplinary framework.

Marga envisages sharing the long experience and skills gathered by the Institute as a premier social science research Institute over a period of 38 years in which it has successfully developed and demonstrated new and innovative methods in addressing social issues comprehensively taking account of the full dimensions of development- economic, social and political.

In addition to this Marga has networked and teamed up with many social scientists and economists over the years that make up the faculty of the education division. The value of the "Research Methodology Course" is that it packs into 15 sessions the knowledge that one requires to formulate, execute, process findings and write an analytical report to address any social research question that arises in the area of development research.

The Course will make the student acquainted with the basic theories underlying social science research. Thereafter the course will take to the student through the process of identifying research, issues relevant to one's field of work, formulating a proposal, selecting appropriate research methods, practical lessons on carrying out research, processing the data and presentation, all in the course of 45 hours of study.

Ms Perera further stated that a key component in the course is teaching the use of two basic computer software packages - namely NVivo and SPSS which alone would cost much more than the total course fee if you were to access these separately.

"We have deliberately refrained from stipulating qualifications, leaving it open to graduates and those with post graduate qualifications as well as others with lower academic achievements but have long practical experience and wish to sharpen and upgrade their skills to carry out their work more professionally and confidently.

You could be working in NGOs or INGOs or in UN organizations with a need to venture into research but have hitherto not felt sufficiently competent. This course presents you with an opportunity to equip you with, and to hone your skills to perform more effectively where you are at present."

The course will be conducted by the Marga Institute independently and hopes to draw students even from overseas, particularly from the SAARC region in the future. The panel of lecturers and teachers consists of a reputed team of resource persons drawn from the Marga Institute, from universities and academic institutions. The Institute plans to collaborate with other Institutions that provide tertiary education here in Sri Lanka and overseas to formulate similar yet innovative courses in social sciences.

The Institute is also engaged in a translation programme where a series of books for higher education are being translated into the Sinhala language. Currently two books are in the process of publication. (The Law Governing Public Administration in Sri Lanka by Dr. Wickrema Weerasooriya and "How to use the Central Bank Handbook by T Saundranayagam).

Apart from current research programmes on poverty, education, health, ageing, state and the market, unit and devolution and the role of religious value system and other beliefs on peace building, Impact of Migrant Remittances on the Economy, Marga is also involved in Policy Dialogues on Development Democracy Peace in the Eastern Province. The main areas of work of Marga Institute are research, education and training, civil society forum discussions, publications and translations