The Lalith Athulathmudali Advanced Research Center (LAARC) was born out of a simple idea rooted in a powerful legacy, that public policy must be built on knowledge, guided by integrity, and driven by the collective good. Inspired by the life and vision of the late Hon. Lalith Athulathmudali-a statesman, scholar, and reformer who reshaped Sri Lanka’s education and trade sectors. LAARC carries forward his unwavering belief in evidence-based governance and people-centered leadership.
 
In early 2024, that legacy began to take new form. A group of five individuals; Viduravi Athulathmudali, Imasha Perera, Gavinu Senevirathna, Vajira Galigamuwa, and Navod Rathnasekara came together, united by a shared frustration with the status quo and a desire to do more than just talk about change. What started as casual discussions quickly evolved into deeper conversations about the gaps we saw in governance, education, and youth engagement in Sri Lanka.

We didn’t set out to form a think tank overnight. LAARC was not born with a formal launch or fanfare-it grew out of action. Together, we took on small but meaningful collaborations: organizing community events, facilitating policy workshops, conducting grassroots research, and engaging young people in conversations that mattered. These weren’t just projects, they were moments that tested our ideas, pushed our creativity, and strengthened our commitment.

Through each success and every misstep, something clear began to emerge. The more we worked together, the more we realized that Sri Lanka needed a space where young minds could think freely, engage critically, and lead boldly. A space not just for theory, but for action. That space became LAARC.
 
Today, LAARC stands as a platform for public policy, innovation, and education reform, but it is also more than that. It is a space for young people who are ready to step forward, challenge systems, and create a new standard for leadership. What began with five individuals is now expanding into a growing network of thinkers, doers, and changemakers across the country.
 
Our message is simple: You don’t need to wait your turn to lead. You need conviction, collaboration, and a space that believes in you. LAARC is that space.
 
This is our story, but it doesn’t end here. We invite you to be part of what comes next.