Isuru Samaratunga is a Research Manager at LIRNEasia. He is currently engaged in ICT-related qualitative research projects in Asia and the Pacific. Some of the major qualitative research projects he has led have been for global funders such as ESCAP, GSMA, Ford Foundation, IDRC, USAID, Asia Foundation, UNFPA and UN-Habitat. The projects include landscape study and assessment of ICT capacity building needs, developing Mobile solutions for persons with disabilities, online privacy and security of marginalized communities, countering misinformation using AI, empowerment through online platforms, developing communication strategies for family planning programs and social impact assessments of development projects.
In the recent past, Isuru has been using online methods and participatory user research approach for qualitative data collection. He has expertise in inductive approach of qualitative data analysis and use of research findings for human-centered design, which was the approach used in PWD researches he engaged.
Isuru’s main interest is in enhancing the value of qualitative data in research projects. Isuru holds an MSc in Sociology from the University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands, and post-graduate qualifications from University of Cambridge, United Kingdom and University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka.