PM officially launches Citra; SL’S first social innovation lab

The Citra Social Innovation Lab, co-developed by the Science, Technology and Research Ministry and the United Nations Development Programme, was officially launched yesterday under the auspices of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe in Colombo.

As Sri Lanka’s first public sector innovation lab, Citra works to strengthen institutions, build capacities of the public sector and re-engineer public service delivery through specialised foresight and innovation tools such as design-thinking, userjourney mapping exercises and human-centred design approaches among others.

The innovation lab works in alignment with national development priorities and works towards bringing in greater citizen engagement to the formulation of development solutions.

Speaking at the launch, Prime Minister Wickremesinghe said it was great to see the results of the Citra social innovation lab within a year of existence – how programmes have been carried out, the number of ministries the lab has partnered with, all those engaged and involved in social innovation who want to make a change in society.

Citra’s first annual report ‘Our 1st Year In Review’ was also launched at the event.

Science, Technology and Research Minister Sujeewa Senasinghe said the ministry was proud to be an anchor for Citra within the government.

Meanwhile, UNDP Resident Representative Jorn Sorensen said being a part of the journey of Citra had been a truly rewarding experience for him at UNDP.

“I want to take this opportunity to thank all our partners, especially the Sri Lankan Government, for being with us on this journey. We count on your continuous support, so together we can achieve much more, to realise the vision of a sustainable tomorrow,” he said.