The objectives of the Centre are: 

1. To contribute to public accountability in governance through the strengthening of the awareness in society of all aspects of public policy and policy implementation.
2. To make inputs into the public policy-making and implementation process in the constitutional, legislative and administrative spheres to ensure responsible and good governance.
3. To propose to the government and parliament and all other policy-making bodies and institutions, constructive policy alternatives aimed at strengthening and safeguarding democracy, pluralism, the Rule of Law, human rights and social justice.
4. To focus attention on the social and political consequences of development.
5. To contribute towards the conflict resolution process in Sri Lanka and the South Asian region, so as to strengthen institution and capacity-building for democratic governance in multi-ethnic and pluralist societies.