On July 18th and 19th, J-PAL hosted the first regional matchmaking conference for its Urban Services Initiative (USI) at Colombo, Sri Lanka. The Colombo conference brought together researchers and practitioners active in urban service delivery (particularly water, sanitation, and hygiene) throughout South Asia. The aim of the conference was to stimulate discussion on innovative micro-solutions to the need for better urban public services, and what collaboration opportunities might exist between the researchers and practitioners.

The keynote address is delivered by the Hon’ble Minister of Water Supply and Drainage, Mr. Dinesh Gunawardena.