Sri Lanka

Working at the national level with legislators, parliamentary officials, independent commissions and civil society organisations in Sri Lanka, WFD is helping to create accountable and inclusive policies and laws that benefit all Sri Lankans. WFD supports parliament to scrutinise government activity, especially through its new oversight committee system, and put into practice new rules and processes such as the 2018 Standing Orders.  Gender responsive and inclusive approaches and public engagement are integral to WFD support.  Additionally, WFD is exploring the role and responsibilities of parliament in fostering racial and religious harmony and reconciliation as well as providing technical assistance to the National Audit Office of Sri Lanka to support anti-corruption initiatives. 

Since the end of the civil war, Sri Lanka has adopted constitutional reforms and developed practices which aim to diffuse power and safeguard the independence of commissions. Parliament has a key role to play to secure these ambitions. Through our programmes, WFD has engaged with key parliamentary stakeholders as they seek to develop and embed parliamentary practices that will contribute to strengthened oversight and scrutiny of the executive and provide more avenues for inclusive political participation.