Strengthening Governance Program (SGP)

The strengthening the Governance Program (SGP), supported by the Australian Government and implemented by the Asia Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the efficiency, inclusivity, resilience and accountability of Sri Lankan governance structures across various levels. This initiative is set to address critical governance challenges within the country, including the misalignment between national strategies and local necessities, the gap in coordination between the national and local planning frameworks, limitations in participatory governance owing to capacity constraints, the disparity of resources distribution versus community needs, and the insufficient consideration of gender equality and social inclusion. The SGP will be implemented for a period of five years which ends by May 2028.

The SGP, aligning with the strategic objectives of the Government of the Sri Lanka, is aiming to foster a governance environment that meets the nation’s and its citizen’s needs. The expected development outcomes to the WPC are;

• Enhancing Governance capacity for Evidence-Based Decision Making and Policymaking
• Strengthened Legislative and Regulatory Capacities
• Improved planning and Budgeting for Local Development
• Enhanced Services through Innovation and Digital Technologies
• Integration of Gender Equality and Social Inclusion Approaches.

A planning consultation was facilitated by the SGP/TAF in Colombo under the leadership of the Chief Secretary, with the participation of senior staff of WPC on June 28, 2024 where a summary work plan was prepared on prioritizing the identified components.

Based on the above outcomes and with the intention of facilitating the partnership between the Foundation and the WPC, A Letter of Association has been entered between the two parties on 18th September, 2024, to implement the selected initiatives aimed at a governance reforms within the province.

A Provincial Steering Committee was established to facilitate the successful implementation of the activities under this partnership and the meeting of the same followed by a further workshop in developing the summery work plan was held at the Sri Lanka Foundation, on 18th September, 2024 in furtherance of the signing of the Letter of Association between the parties.