This report investigates Sri Lankan perceptions of the role of business in society, and businesses’ own perception of this role, including its potential in supporting social, economic and political development. It also explores whether Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), as presently understood by businesses and the wider community, can be a useful entry point for Sri Lanka’s private sector to contribute to peace. Key findings of the report indicate that: 1) most Sri Lankans are unclear as to whether businesses should focus only on profits or also engage in social issues, 2) most organizations feel they have a strong role to play in addressing social needs, but, while there is a long history of charitable giving, most do not have a strategy or policy for doing so, 3) most businesses in Colombo have a broad understanding of CSR and are involved in initiatives, while regional companies, most of which are small and medium enterprises (SMEs), struggle to do so, and 4) while the business community has clearly stated its desire to be involved in peace building, many businesses feel they do not have the capacity, understanding or mandate to be involved in it. The report argues that the concept and practice of CSR provides a useful entry point for businesses to be involved in peace building. CSR is a framework for understanding how business success is tied to the prosperity and health of the community within which it operates. The report also offers a number of recommendations to assist businesses in being involved in peace building.