The primary objective of the PPID is to empower the people of Eastern and Northern Provinces to emerge out of serfdom towards freedom. It is a multidisciplinary research institution promoting cross fertilisation of concepts, ideas, and methodologies drawing from various social sciences. The primary focus area of PPID is the Eastern and Northern Provinces of Sri Lanka. In addition, research studies focused nationally and regionally (South Asia) would also be undertaken. The core value of PPID is equality of opportunity irrespective of one’s caste, class, ethnicity, gender, regional origin, or religion. PPID would also strive to be multi-ethnic and multi-gender in all its pursuits reflecting the characteristic of the Eastern and Northern Provinces.

Primary, though not restricted to, activities of the PPID would be the following:

1. Undertaking research studies on development issues locally,nationally,and regionally (South Asia).
   
   
2. Dissemination of research through publication of a Working Paper Series and Monographs.
   
   
3. Publication of a Quarterly Review of the Economy of Sri Lanka.
   
   
4. Publication of Annual Review of Development in the Eastern and Northern Provinces.
   
   
5. Organisation of seminars/symposiums/workshops on critical themes drawing from the academic community locally, nationally, regionally, and globally.    

PPID would also strive to conduct courses on Development. PPID would strive to maintain a high quality of output in all its endeavours.