The Asia Foundation

Cambodia, where the Provincial Business Environment Scorecard (PBES) was first implemented in 2006, and Sri Lanka where the first Economic Governance Index (EGI-SL) was conducted in 2007, are the two most recent additions to the LEGIs...

Cambodia, where the Provincial Business Environment Scorecard (PBES) was first implemented in 2006, and Sri Lanka where the first Economic Governance Index (EGI-SL) was conducted in 2007, are the two most recent additions to the LEGIs developed by The Asia Foundation and its partners.  These two indexes, based on the experience of The Asia Foundation in the Philippines, Indonesia and Vietnam, had to be adapted to the specific economic and administrative context of Cambodia and Sri Lanka.  They have, however, the same objectives:
• Providing updated information to the private sector about the business environment in their area, and thus creating a demand for an improved business environment.
• Creating a frame of reference for local leaders and public officials as they seek to improve policies and economic governance practices in their area.
• Stimulating a proactive and competitive process involving all relevant stakeholders in their efforts to offer a more supportive business environment.

From March to April 2008, The Asia Foundation conducted a qualitative assessment of local economic governance in Sri Lanka's Eastern Province. This Policy Brief presents the assessment's main findings and resulting policy implications. Local...

From March to April 2008, The Asia Foundation conducted a qualitative assessment of local economic governance in Sri Lanka's Eastern Province. This Policy Brief presents the assessment's main findings and resulting policy implications. Local economic policies and the conduct of local government officials shape the enabling environment for private sector dynamism and sustained economic growth. In Sri Lanka's Eastern Province, which has been affected by civil war for over two decades, economic growth is particularly critical to its recovery. The overall purpose of this assessment was therefore to provide local government officials, the business community, and the general public with relevant information about major impediments in the business environment in the Eastern Province as a starting point for policy discussions and reform.

Occasional Paper No. 2, July 2010

The processes of development are fundamentally shaped by powerful political, economic, and security actors in aid-recipient countries. These actors use their influence to shape formal governance...

Occasional Paper No. 2, July 2010

The processes of development are fundamentally shaped by powerful political, economic, and security actors in aid-recipient countries. These actors use their influence to shape formal governance institutions, policies, and the distribution of development assistance to advance their interests. The political settlements framework is an important new approach that may help international development organizations to better understand and respond to this reality and the challenges to developmental progress that is often affected by political dynamics in developing countries. This paper seeks to translate the concepts underlying political settlements into principles, strategies, and guidelines for practical action by donors and other development assistance organizations.

Thomas Parks, Regional Director for Governance and Conflict, The Asia Foundation
William Cole, Senior Director, Governance, Law, and Civil Society Programs & Program Strategy and Development, The Asia Foundation

To help identify and address key challenges confronting MSMEs in their local and regional business environments, The Asia Foundation has developed a program of Public- Private Dialogues, focused on the subnational level. Local Public-Private...

To help identify and address key challenges confronting MSMEs in their local and regional business environments, The Asia Foundation has developed a program of Public- Private Dialogues, focused on the subnational level. Local Public-Private Dialogues (LPPDs) bring together local authorities, civil servants, and the private sector to discuss local impediments to business. LPPDs help local stakeholders eliminate obstacles to economic development, by providing a forum for consultation and cooperation, and fostering mutual trust and understanding.

To help identify and address key challenges confronting MSMEs in their local and regional business environments, The Asia Foundation has developed a program of Public- Private Dialogues, focused on the subnational level. Local...

To help identify and address key challenges confronting MSMEs in their local and regional business environments, The Asia Foundation has developed a program of Public- Private Dialogues, focused on the subnational level. Local Public-Private Dialogues (LPPDs) bring together local authorities, civil servants, and the private sector to discuss local impediments to business. LPPDs help local stakeholders eliminate obstacles to economic development, by providing a forum for consultation and cooperation, and fostering mutual trust and understanding.

Occasional Paper No. 5, March 2011

A review of the basic theoretical and programmatic rationale for the series of Economic Governance Indices (EGIs) conducted by The Asia Foundation in countries throughout South and Southeast Asia,...

Occasional Paper No. 5, March 2011

A review of the basic theoretical and programmatic rationale for the series of Economic Governance Indices (EGIs) conducted by The Asia Foundation in countries throughout South and Southeast Asia, including Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Indonesia.

Financial Management Training Modules: This series of four training modules is designed to provide the teaching and learning materials for training modules for LA officials in Financial Management. Each module kit contains...

Financial Management Training Modules: This series of four training modules is designed to provide the teaching and learning materials for training modules for LA officials in Financial Management. Each module kit contains printed resource material for trainers and participants, visual-aid material for trainers (such as power-point presentations on CD), learning exercises and simulations for trainers to use in workshops, and relevant computer software applications (such as Excel spreadsheets, on CD), to support a two-day workshop. Each module is available separately in Sinhala and Tamil from The Asia Foundation and the Sri Lanka Institute of Local Governance (SLILG).

• Module 1 – Financial Reporting and Cash Management
• Module 2 – Revenue Enhancement
• Module 3 – Grant Management and Donor Relations
• Module 4 – Office Management

Financial Management Training Modules: This series of four training modules is designed to provide the teaching and learning materials for training modules for LA officials in Financial Management. Each module kit contains...

Financial Management Training Modules: This series of four training modules is designed to provide the teaching and learning materials for training modules for LA officials in Financial Management. Each module kit contains printed resource material for trainers and participants, visual-aid material for trainers (such as power-point presentations on CD), learning exercises and simulations for trainers to use in workshops, and relevant computer software applications (such as Excel spreadsheets, on CD), to support a two-day workshop. Each module is available separately in Sinhala and Tamil from The Asia Foundation and the Sri Lanka Institute of Local Governance (SLILG).

• Module 1 – Financial Reporting and Cash Management
• Module 2 – Revenue Enhancement
• Module 3 – Grant Management and Donor Relations
• Module 4 – Office Management

Financial Management Training Modules: This series of four training modules is designed to provide the teaching and learning materials for training modules for LA officials in Financial Management. Each module kit contains...

Financial Management Training Modules: This series of four training modules is designed to provide the teaching and learning materials for training modules for LA officials in Financial Management. Each module kit contains printed resource material for trainers and participants, visual-aid material for trainers (such as power-point presentations on CD), learning exercises and simulations for trainers to use in workshops, and relevant computer software applications (such as Excel spreadsheets, on CD), to support a two-day workshop. Each module is available separately in Sinhala and Tamil from The Asia Foundation and the Sri Lanka Institute of Local Governance (SLILG).

• Module 1 – Financial Reporting and Cash Management
• Module 2 – Revenue Enhancement
• Module 3 – Grant Management and Donor Relations
• Module 4 – Office Management

Financial Management Training Modules: This series of four training modules is designed to provide the teaching and learning materials for training modules for LA officials in Financial Management. Each module kit contains...

Financial Management Training Modules: This series of four training modules is designed to provide the teaching and learning materials for training modules for LA officials in Financial Management. Each module kit contains printed resource material for trainers and participants, visual-aid material for trainers (such as power-point presentations on CD), learning exercises and simulations for trainers to use in workshops, and relevant computer software applications (such as Excel spreadsheets, on CD), to support a two-day workshop. Each module is available separately in Sinhala and Tamil from The Asia Foundation and the Sri Lanka Institute of Local Governance (SLILG).

• Module 1 – Financial Reporting and Cash Management
• Module 2 – Revenue Enhancement
• Module 3 – Grant Management and Donor Relations
• Module 4 – Office Management

Service Delivery Training Modules: This series of four training modules is designed to provide the teaching and learning materials for training modules for LA officials in Solid Waste Management and Roads and Drainage...

Service Delivery Training Modules: This series of four training modules is designed to provide the teaching and learning materials for training modules for LA officials in Solid Waste Management and Roads and Drainage Maintenance. Each module kit contains printed resource material for trainers and participants, visual-aid material for trainers (such as power-point presentations on CD), learning exercises and simulations for trainers to use in workshops, and relevant computer software applications (where applicable, on CD) to support a two-day workshop. Each module is available separately in Sinhala and Tamil from The Asia Foundation and the Sri Lanka Institute of Local Governance.

• Module 1 – Solid Waste Collection and Transport
• Module 2 – Solid Waste Reduction
• Module 3 – Solid Waste Disposal and Planning
• Module 4 – Roads and Storm Water Drainage Management

Service Delivery Training Modules: This series of four training modules is designed to provide the teaching and learning materials for training modules for LA officials in Solid Waste Management and Roads and Drainage...

Service Delivery Training Modules: This series of four training modules is designed to provide the teaching and learning materials for training modules for LA officials in Solid Waste Management and Roads and Drainage Maintenance. Each module kit contains printed resource material for trainers and participants, visual-aid material for trainers (such as power-point presentations on CD), learning exercises and simulations for trainers to use in workshops, and relevant computer software applications (where applicable, on CD) to support a two-day workshop. Each module is available separately in Sinhala and Tamil from The Asia Foundation and the Sri Lanka Institute of Local Governance.

• Module 1 – Solid Waste Collection and Transport
• Module 2 – Solid Waste Reduction
• Module 3 – Solid Waste Disposal and Planning
• Module 4 – Roads and Storm Water Drainage Management

Service Delivery Training Modules: This series of four training modules is designed to provide the teaching and learning materials for training modules for LA officials in Solid Waste Management and Roads and Drainage...

Service Delivery Training Modules: This series of four training modules is designed to provide the teaching and learning materials for training modules for LA officials in Solid Waste Management and Roads and Drainage Maintenance. Each module kit contains printed resource material for trainers and participants, visual-aid material for trainers (such as power-point presentations on CD), learning exercises and simulations for trainers to use in workshops, and relevant computer software applications (where applicable, on CD) to support a two-day workshop. Each module is available separately in Sinhala and Tamil from The Asia Foundation and the Sri Lanka Institute of Local Governance.

• Module 1 – Solid Waste Collection and Transport
• Module 2 – Solid Waste Reduction
• Module 3 – Solid Waste Disposal and Planning
• Module 4 – Roads and Storm Water Drainage Management

Service Delivery Training Modules: This series of four training modules is designed to provide the teaching and learning materials for training modules for LA officials in Solid Waste Management and Roads and Drainage...

Service Delivery Training Modules: This series of four training modules is designed to provide the teaching and learning materials for training modules for LA officials in Solid Waste Management and Roads and Drainage Maintenance. Each module kit contains printed resource material for trainers and participants, visual-aid material for trainers (such as power-point presentations on CD), learning exercises and simulations for trainers to use in workshops, and relevant computer software applications (where applicable, on CD) to support a two-day workshop. Each module is available separately in Sinhala and Tamil from The Asia Foundation and the Sri Lanka Institute of Local Governance.

• Module 1 – Solid Waste Collection and Transport
• Module 2 – Solid Waste Reduction
• Module 3 – Solid Waste Disposal and Planning
• Module 4 – Roads and Storm Water Drainage Management

This resource book is designed to help citizens groups to establish cooperative relationships with local authorities and lay the groundwork for better governance and social accountability at the local level. The book contains information about...

This resource book is designed to help citizens groups to establish cooperative relationships with local authorities and lay the groundwork for better governance and social accountability at the local level. The book contains information about participatory approaches to building public confidence in local authorities and changing attitudes of local government toward citizens and citizen groups. The module guides trainers in affecting knowledge, attitudes and perceptions and describes the steps required to build partnerships between local authorities and civil society.

This guidebook is designed to help local authority personnel write a successful project proposal for submission to a funding agency or similar organization. It sets out the basic steps in project identification and describes each section of a...

This guidebook is designed to help local authority personnel write a successful project proposal for submission to a funding agency or similar organization. It sets out the basic steps in project identification and describes each section of a well written proposal. The booklet provides writing tips and samples and examples of proposal components and provides information on how proposals are likely to be evaluated. Local authorities may use the “Directory of Funding and Resource Agencies for LAs in Sri Lanka” to identify places to submit proposals. Trainers may also use the guide to support workshops or “write shops” (facilitated proposal writing sessions) on proposal preparation. The guide is available in English, Sinhala and Tamil from The Asia Foundation and the Sri Lanka Institute of Local Governance (SLILG).

This resource book is designed to be used by skilled Facilitator Trainers to deliver workshops on facilitation skills to local authority officials. The book contains background information on citizen participation and provides presentation...

This resource book is designed to be used by skilled Facilitator Trainers to deliver workshops on facilitation skills to local authority officials. The book contains background information on citizen participation and provides presentation material and group exercises on the "discussion method" and "workshop method" of engaging citizens in dialogue about public issues. The module will assist trainers to help local authority officials develop the skills and confidence needed to facilitate public consultations and come to consensus on solutions. The module is available in English, Sinhala and Tamil from The Asia Foundation and the Sri Lanka Institute of Local Governance (SLILG).

(Tamil Version) This publication is intended to serve as a guide to clarify services provided by the Central Environmental Authority (CEA). It provides a detailed outline of the legalities, fees, application process, timeline and recourse...

(Tamil Version) This publication is intended to serve as a guide to clarify services provided by the Central Environmental Authority (CEA). It provides a detailed outline of the legalities, fees, application process, timeline and recourse available for a broad range of CEA services. The results of a recent survey sponsored by the Asia Foundation indicated that information of this type was not readily available to the public in a simple and comprehensive manner. This Guide Book seeks to clarify step-by-step what is involved in obtaining an environmental protection license, or the process of obtaining site approval, for example. It seeks to inform members of the public and business community about the services, authority, and responsibilities of the CEA and its role in improving the conditions for economic growth and creating an enabling environment for small and medium enterprises to flourish in Sri Lanka. The Guide Book is available in English, Sinhala and Tamil.

(Sinhala Version) This publication is intended to serve as a guide to clarify services provided by the Central Environmental Authority (CEA). It provides a detailed outline of the legalities, fees, application process, timeline and recourse...

(Sinhala Version) This publication is intended to serve as a guide to clarify services provided by the Central Environmental Authority (CEA). It provides a detailed outline of the legalities, fees, application process, timeline and recourse available for a broad range of CEA services. The results of a recent survey sponsored by the Asia Foundation indicated that information of this type was not readily available to the public in a simple and comprehensive manner. This Guide Book seeks to clarify step-by-step what is involved in obtaining an environmental protection license, or the process of obtaining site approval, for example. It seeks to inform members of the public and business community about the services, authority, and responsibilities of the CEA and its role in improving the conditions for economic growth and creating an enabling environment for small and medium enterprises to flourish in Sri Lanka. The Guide Book is available in English, Sinhala and Tamil.

This publication is intended to serve as a guide to clarify services provided by the Central Environmental Authority (CEA). It provides a detailed outline of the legalities, fees, application process, timeline and recourse available for a...

This publication is intended to serve as a guide to clarify services provided by the Central Environmental Authority (CEA). It provides a detailed outline of the legalities, fees, application process, timeline and recourse available for a broad range of CEA services. The results of a recent survey sponsored by the Asia Foundation indicated that information of this type was not readily available to the public in a simple and comprehensive manner. This Guide Book seeks to clarify step-by-step what is involved in obtaining an environmental protection license, or the process of obtaining site approval, for example. It seeks to inform members of the public and business community about the services, authority, and responsibilities of the CEA and its role in improving the conditions for economic growth and creating an enabling environment for small and medium enterprises to flourish in Sri Lanka. The Guide Book is available in English, Sinhala and Tamil.

(Tamil Version) This publication is intended to serve as a guide to clarify local government services provided by the Board of Investment (BOI). It provides a detailed outline of the legalities, eligibility, fees, application process, timeline...

(Tamil Version) This publication is intended to serve as a guide to clarify local government services provided by the Board of Investment (BOI). It provides a detailed outline of the legalities, eligibility, fees, application process, timeline and recourse available for a broad range of BOI services. The results of a recent survey sponsored by The Asia Foundation indicated that information of this type was not readily available to the public in a simple and comprehensive manner. This Guide Book seeks to clarify step-by-step what is involved in obtaining an environmental license, or the process of obtaining approval for factory buildings, for example. It seeks to inform members of the public and business community about the services, authority, and responsibilities of the BOI and its role in improving the conditions for economic growth and creating an enabling environment for small and medium enterprises to flourish in Sri Lanka. The guide book is available in English, Sinhala and Tamil.

(Sinhala Version) This publication is intended to serve as a guide to clarify local government services provided by the Board of Investment (BOI). It provides a detailed outline of the legalities, eligibility, fees, application process,...

(Sinhala Version) This publication is intended to serve as a guide to clarify local government services provided by the Board of Investment (BOI). It provides a detailed outline of the legalities, eligibility, fees, application process, timeline and recourse available for a broad range of BOI services. The results of a recent survey sponsored by The Asia Foundation indicated that information of this type was not readily available to the public in a simple and comprehensive manner. This Guide Book seeks to clarify step-by-step what is involved in obtaining an environmental license, or the process of obtaining approval for factory buildings, for example. It seeks to inform members of the public and business community about the services, authority, and responsibilities of the BOI and its role in improving the conditions for economic growth and creating an enabling environment for small and medium enterprises to flourish in Sri Lanka. The guide book is available in English, Sinhala and Tamil.

This publication is intended to serve as a guide to clarify local government services provided by the Board of Investment (BOI). It provides a detailed outline of the legalities, eligibility, fees, application process, timeline and recourse...

This publication is intended to serve as a guide to clarify local government services provided by the Board of Investment (BOI). It provides a detailed outline of the legalities, eligibility, fees, application process, timeline and recourse available for a broad range of BOI services. The results of a recent survey sponsored by The Asia Foundation indicated that information of this type was not readily available to the public in a simple and comprehensive manner. This Guide Book seeks to clarify step-by-step what is involved in obtaining an environmental license, or the process of obtaining approval for factory buildings, for example. It seeks to inform members of the public and business community about the services, authority, and responsibilities of the BOI and its role in improving the conditions for economic growth and creating an enabling environment for small and medium enterprises to flourish in Sri Lanka. The guide book is available in English, Sinhala and Tamil.

(Tamil Version) This publication is intended to serve as a guide to clarify local government services provided by district secretariats. It provides a detailed outline of the legalities, eligibility, fees, application process, timeline and...

(Tamil Version) This publication is intended to serve as a guide to clarify local government services provided by district secretariats. It provides a detailed outline of the legalities, eligibility, fees, application process, timeline and recourse available for a broad range of district secretariat services. The results of a survey sponsored by The Asia Foundation indicated that information of this type was not readily available to the public in a simple and comprehensive manner. This Guide Book seeks to clarify step-by-step what is involved in obtaining an extract from a voters list, or the process of obtaining a driving license, for example. It seeks to inform members of the public and business community about the services, authority, and responsibilities of district secretariats and their role in improving the conditions for economic growth and creating an enabling environment for small and medium enterprises to flourish in every district secretariat area in Sri Lanka. The Guide Book is available in English, Sinhala and Tamil.

(Sinhala Version) This publication is intended to serve as a guide to clarify local government services provided by district secretariats. It provides a detailed outline of the legalities, eligibility, fees, application process, timeline and...

(Sinhala Version) This publication is intended to serve as a guide to clarify local government services provided by district secretariats. It provides a detailed outline of the legalities, eligibility, fees, application process, timeline and recourse available for a broad range of district secretariat services. The results of a survey sponsored by The Asia Foundation indicated that information of this type was not readily available to the public in a simple and comprehensive manner. This Guide Book seeks to clarify step-by-step what is involved in obtaining an extract from a voters list, or the process of obtaining a driving license, for example. It seeks to inform members of the public and business community about the services, authority, and responsibilities of district secretariats and their role in improving the conditions for economic growth and creating an enabling environment for small and medium enterprises to flourish in every district secretariat area in Sri Lanka. The Guide Book is available in English, Sinhala and Tamil.

This publication is intended to serve as a guide to clarify local government services provided by district secretariats. It provides a detailed outline of the legalities, eligibility, fees, application process, timeline and recourse...

This publication is intended to serve as a guide to clarify local government services provided by district secretariats. It provides a detailed outline of the legalities, eligibility, fees, application process, timeline and recourse available for a broad range of district secretariat services. The results of a survey sponsored by The Asia Foundation indicated that information of this type was not readily available to the public in a simple and comprehensive manner. This Guide Book seeks to clarify step-by-step what is involved in obtaining an extract from a voters list, or the process of obtaining a driving license, for example. It seeks to inform members of the public and business community about the services, authority, and responsibilities of district secretariats and their role in improving the conditions for economic growth and creating an enabling environment for small and medium enterprises to flourish in every district secretariat area in Sri Lanka. The Guide Book is available in English, Sinhala and Tamil.

(Tamil Version) This publication is intended to serve as a guide to clarify local government services provided by pradeshiya sabhas. It provides a detailed outline of the legalities, eligibility, fees, application process, timeline...

(Tamil Version) This publication is intended to serve as a guide to clarify local government services provided by pradeshiya sabhas. It provides a detailed outline of the legalities, eligibility, fees, application process, timeline and recourse available for a broad range of pradeshyia sabha services. The results of a survey sponsored by The Asia Foundation indicated that information of this type was not readily available to the public in a simple and comprehensive manner. This Guide Book seeks to clarify step-by-step what is involved in obtaining a building permit, or the process of determining liability for and payment of the trade tax, for example. It seeks to inform members of the public and business community about the services, authority, and responsibilities of pradeshiya sabhas and their role in improving the conditions for economic growth and creating an enabling environment for small and medium enterprises to flourish in every pradeshiya sabha area in Sri Lanka. The Guide Book is available in English, Sinhala and Tamil.

(Sinhala Version) This publication is intended to serve as a guide to clarify local government services provided by pradeshiya sabhas. It provides a detailed outline of the legalities, eligibility, fees, application process, timeline and...

(Sinhala Version) This publication is intended to serve as a guide to clarify local government services provided by pradeshiya sabhas. It provides a detailed outline of the legalities, eligibility, fees, application process, timeline and recourse available for a broad range of pradeshyia sabha services. The results of a survey sponsored by The Asia Foundation indicated that information of this type was not readily available to the public in a simple and comprehensive manner. This Guide Book seeks to clarify step-by-step what is involved in obtaining a building permit, or the process of determining liability for and payment of the trade tax, for example. It seeks to inform members of the public and business community about the services, authority, and responsibilities of pradeshiya sabhas and their role in improving the conditions for economic growth and creating an enabling environment for small and medium enterprises to flourish in every pradeshiya sabha area in Sri Lanka. The Guide Book is available in English, Sinhala and Tamil.

This publication is intended to serve as a guide to clarify local government services provided by pradeshiya sabhas. It provides a detailed outline of the legalities, eligibility, fees, application process, timeline and recourse...

This publication is intended to serve as a guide to clarify local government services provided by pradeshiya sabhas. It provides a detailed outline of the legalities, eligibility, fees, application process, timeline and recourse available for a broad range of pradeshyia sabha services. The results of a survey sponsored by The Asia Foundation indicated that information of this type was not readily available to the public in a simple and comprehensive manner. This Guide Book seeks to clarify step-by-step what is involved in obtaining a building permit, or the process of determining liability for and payment of the trade tax, for example. It seeks to inform members of the public and business community about the services, authority, and responsibilities of pradeshiya sabhas and their role in improving the conditions for economic growth and creating an enabling environment for small and medium enterprises to flourish in every pradeshiya sabha area in Sri Lanka. The Guide Book is available in English, Sinhala and Tamil.

This publication is intended to serve as a guide to clarify local government services provided by Urban Councils. It provides a detailed outline of the legalities, eligibility, fees, application process, timeline and recourse available for a...

This publication is intended to serve as a guide to clarify local government services provided by Urban Councils. It provides a detailed outline of the legalities, eligibility, fees, application process, timeline and recourse available for a broad range of Council services. The results of a survey sponsored by The Asia Foundation indicated that information of this type was not readily available to the public in a simple and comprehensive manner. This Guide Book seeks to clarify step-by-step what is involved in obtaining a building permit, or the process of determining liability for and payment of trade tax, for example. It seeks to inform members of the public and business community about the services, authority, and responsibilities of Urban Councils and their role in improving the conditions for economic growth and creating an enabling environment for small and medium enterprises to flourish in every Urban Council area in Sri Lanka. The Guide Book is available in English, Sinhala and Tamil.