About IDRT
Who we are, what we do, and why we do it.
Who We Are
The Institute for Development Research & Training (Pvt) Ltd is a premier research, training, and advisory firm based in Sri Lanka, dedicated to advancing development through high-impact, evidence-based solutions. We support development policy, programs, and institutions by generating credible evidence, strengthening decision-making, and enabling effective implementation and accountability in complex development contexts.
IDRT is recognized for its multidisciplinary expertise and its ability to support initiatives across the entire development cycle—from early diagnostics, feasibility studies, and program design, through implementation support, monitoring and learning, to evaluations, knowledge generation, and scale-up. Our team brings extensive experience in development research and evaluation, social and economic development, gender equality and social inclusion, institutional strengthening, and applied learning. We operate as a long-term technical partner rather than a standalone service provider, supporting organizations to learn, adapt, and perform better over time.
What distinguishes IDRT is our strong emphasis on practical relevance and real-world impact. We translate rigorous analysis into decision-ready insights that reduce implementation risk, strengthen accountability, and enable timely, evidence-based action. Across all engagements, we uphold the highest standards of ethical practice, methodological rigor, and contextual sensitivity, while leveraging digital data systems, geospatial analytics, and modern research tools to deliver accurate, transparent, and scalable solutions that support sustainable and inclusive outcomes.
Our Vision
To be recognized as a globally trusted development consultancy, known for excellence, innovation, and social impact, supporting organizations to place sustainable and inclusive development at the center of policy, programs, and institutional practice.
Our Mission
To facilitate impactful development by delivering high-quality, evidence-based research, training, and advisory solutions that strengthen decision-making, enhance organizational capabilities, and translate knowledge into effective action for sustainable, long-term change.
- Integrity
- Collaboration
- Innovation
- Sustainability
- Empowerment
Our Approach
IDRT applies an integrated and evidence-driven approach that combines analytical rigor, contextual understanding, and appropriate technology to support informed decision-making and effective implementation. Our approach is designed to generate insights that are credible, inclusive, and directly usable by policymakers, practitioners, and institutions.
Mixed-method research
We combine quantitative and qualitative methods to capture both measurable outcomes and lived experiences. This allows us to triangulate findings, strengthen validity, and provide a comprehensive understanding of complex development challenges.
Participatory and community-informed engagement
We engage communities and stakeholders throughout the research and learning process to ensure findings are grounded in local realities, ethically collected, and reflective of diverse perspectives, particularly those of marginalized groups.
Systematic integration of gender equality, disability, and social inclusion (GEDSI)
GEDSI considerations are embedded across study design, data collection, analysis, and reporting. This ensures that evidence captures intersectional vulnerabilities and informs more equitable and inclusive policies and programs.
Digital data collection and management systems
We use digital tools such as KoboToolbox, SurveyCTO, and other mobile-based platforms to enable secure, high-quality data collection. Built-in validation and real-time monitoring improve accuracy and timeliness, while Power BI dashboards are used where required to support visualization, analysis, and decision-ready reporting.
Strategic use of geospatial and analytical technologies
Where relevant, we integrate GIS, remote sensing, and spatial analysis to complement primary data, enhance contextual understanding, and support planning, monitoring, and decision-making.
Actionable reporting and knowledge transfer
Our reporting goes beyond documentation. We focus on clear analysis, practical recommendations, and structured knowledge-sharing processes that support learning, adaptation, and informed action by clients and stakeholders.