Abstract:
This article analyzes 65 years (1952-2024) of research
conducted by Sri Lankan scholars in the field of Social Sciences.
The study's objective was to assess the research contributions of
authors in Social Sciences (SS) affiliated with the 17 public
universities overseen by the University Grants Commission (UGC)
of Sri Lanka. The bibliometric method was employed to evaluate
the research performance of authors linked to Sri Lankan
universities. The Elsevier Scopus database was chosen for
extracting data, using the search term "Sri Lanka" for affiliations.
Data was gathered from 17 universities categorized under "Social
Sciences." A total of 3,953 research articles (6.1%) were retrieved
from the database about SS. Each entry was verified twice, leading
to the removal of 29 duplicate records. This study presents a
comprehensive bibliometric analysis of 65 years of social science
research in Sri Lanka, focusing on scholarly publications from 17
public universities in the country. Utilizing the Elsevier Scopus
database provides insights into the research output, development
trends, and growth patterns among Sri Lankan scholars in the
Social Sciences. The results indicate a rising trajectory, with a
significant increase in publications following the COVID-19
pandemic. This research will aid future scholars in pinpointing
less-explored areas and support policymakers in determining
research funding priorities. It represents the first comprehensive
analysis of the social science research landscape in Sri Lanka.
