The Asia Foundation

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

This publication is intended to serve as a guide to clarify local government services provided by Municipal 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 the trade tax, for example. It seeks to inform members of the public and business community about the services, authority, and responsibilities of Municipal 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 Municipal Council area in Sri Lanka. The Guide Book is available in English, Sinhala and Tamil.

THE EXPERIENCE OF THE ASIA FOUNDATION IN INDONESIA, CAMBODIA, VIETNAM, SRI LANKA, AND BANGLADESH

The Asia Foundation’s approach to effective economic governance builds on the knowledge that the engine for sustainable growth is...

THE EXPERIENCE OF THE ASIA FOUNDATION IN INDONESIA, CAMBODIA, VIETNAM, SRI LANKA, AND BANGLADESH

The Asia Foundation’s approach to effective economic governance builds on the knowledge that the engine for sustainable growth is the formal and informal MSME sector, the major source of employment for most countries in Asia. However, the growth and job-generation performance of MSMEs are often constrained by a wide spectrum of institutional obstacles. To address the constraints to MSME growth, the Foundation has developed specialized tools to analyze local business environments, measure the quality of local economic governance, assess progress through a set of quantitative and qualitative indicators, and support policy reforms. Local Economic Governance Indexes (EGIs), developed in collaboration with local and international partners, are one of these tools.

11x17 version.

The Asia Foundation’s approach to effective economic governance builds on the knowledge that the engine for sustainable growth is the formal and informal MSME sector, the major source of employment for most...

11x17 version.

The Asia Foundation’s approach to effective economic governance builds on the knowledge that the engine for sustainable growth is the formal and informal MSME sector, the major source of employment for most countries in Asia. However, the growth and job-generation performance of MSMEs are often constrained by a wide spectrum of institutional obstacles. To address the constraints to MSME growth, the Foundation has developed specialized tools to analyze local business environments, measure the quality of local economic governance, assess progress through a set of quantitative and qualitative indicators, and support policy reforms. Local Economic Governance Indexes (EGIs), developed in collaboration with local and international partners, are one of these tools.

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).

This document summarizes the report entitled "The Legal Aid Sector in Sri Lanka: Searching for Sustainable Solutions - A Mapping of Legal Aid Services in Sri Lanka," which was initiated by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Equal...

This document summarizes the report entitled "The Legal Aid Sector in Sri Lanka: Searching for Sustainable Solutions - A Mapping of Legal Aid Services in Sri Lanka," which was initiated by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Equal Access to Justice Project and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and carried out by a team of sector specialists led by The Asia Foundation. The study looks at the formal legal aid service provision sector in Sri Lanka and attempts to identify gaps and challenges aimed at recommending changes for a more comprehensive legal aid system that is accessible to all.

The Mapping of Legal Aid Services in Sri Lanka titled, "The Legal Aid Sector in Sri Lanka: Searching for Sustainable Solutions," was initiated by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the United Nations High Commission for...

The Mapping of Legal Aid Services in Sri Lanka titled, "The Legal Aid Sector in Sri Lanka: Searching for Sustainable Solutions," was initiated by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) as part of an overall analysis of the legal aid sector in the country. The study was carried out by The Asia Foundation as part of its contribution to legal aid in Sri Lanka during a period spanning over a decade. The study looks at the formal legal aid service provision sector in Sri Lanka and attempts to identify gaps and challenges aimed at recommending changes for a more comprehensive legal aid system that is accessible to all.

(Sri Lankan Version) This handbook presents basic information on advocacy and how it can be pursued by private enterprises, government institutions and other organizations in Sri Lanka to establish and safeguard their rights. It was...

(Sri Lankan Version) This handbook presents basic information on advocacy and how it can be pursued by private enterprises, government institutions and other organizations in Sri Lanka to establish and safeguard their rights. It was prepared by The Asia Foundation, Sri Lanka, through its Local Economic Governance Program, with financial support from the Australian Agency for International Development and the Department for International Development (UK). The handbook is largely adapted from a publication on policy advocacy for SMEs in Indonesia, prepared by The Asia Foundation in Indonesia. It has also drawn on advocacy materials developed Dr. Hetifah Sjaifudian Sumarto, an independent consultant to The Asia Foundation.

This handbook presents basic information on advocacy and how it can be pursued by private enterprises, government institutions and other organizations in Sri Lanka to establish and safeguard their rights. It was prepared by The Asia...

This handbook presents basic information on advocacy and how it can be pursued by private enterprises, government institutions and other organizations in Sri Lanka to establish and safeguard their rights. It was prepared by The Asia Foundation, Sri Lanka, through its Local Economic Governance Program, with financial support from the Australian Agency for International Development and the Department for International Development (UK). The handbook is largely adapted from a publication on policy advocacy for SMEs in Indonesia, prepared by The Asia Foundation in Indonesia. It has also drawn on advocacy materials developed Dr. Hetifah Sjaifudian Sumarto, an independent consultant to The Asia Foundation.

This paper presents a brief, user-friendly summary of the basics of EGI creation. It reviews the basic rationale underlying the index approach. Second, it describes the three methodological elements, which run through all EGIs, showing how...

This paper presents a brief, user-friendly summary of the basics of EGI creation. It reviews the basic rationale underlying the index approach. Second, it describes the three methodological elements, which run through all EGIs, showing how potential pitfalls have been anticipated and addressed within the methodology.

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.

On January 30, 2006, five sponsoring agencies — The World Bank, The Asia Foundation, and the Governments of the Netherlands, Sweden, and the United Kingdom — launched a study in Colombo, Sri Lanka, titled, The Strategic Conflict...

On January 30, 2006, five sponsoring agencies — The World Bank, The Asia Foundation, and the Governments of the Netherlands, Sweden, and the United Kingdom — launched a study in Colombo, Sri Lanka, titled, The Strategic Conflict Assessment – Aid, Conflict, and Peacebuilding in Sri Lanka, to guide the international community to better support the Sri Lankan people’s bid for peace after more than 22 years of conflict.

This Strategic Conflict Assessment (SCA) follows and builds upon a previous assessment conducted for the U.K. Department for International Development (DFID) in 2000 (Goodhand, 2001). Like the previous study, it aims to do three things: First,...

This Strategic Conflict Assessment (SCA) follows and builds upon a previous assessment conducted for the U.K. Department for International Development (DFID) in 2000 (Goodhand, 2001). Like the previous study, it aims to do three things: First, to provide an analysis of the structures and dynamics of conflict and peace in Sri Lanka since 2000. Second, to examine how international engagement has interacted with conflict and peace dynamics, with a particular focus on aid donors during this time period. Third, to identify how the strategies and approaches of international donors can best engage with and help strengthen domestic peacebuilding efforts.

This report is part of a broader study entitled "Aid, Conflict and Peacebuilding in Sri Lanka" (Goodhand and Klem 2005). Its focus is exclusively the North-East1 of Sri Lanka since the signing of the Ceasefire Agreement (CFA) between the...

This report is part of a broader study entitled "Aid, Conflict and Peacebuilding in Sri Lanka" (Goodhand and Klem 2005). Its focus is exclusively the North-East1 of Sri Lanka since the signing of the Ceasefire Agreement (CFA) between the Government of Sri Lanka (GoSL) and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) in February 2002. The report explores changing issues, relationships, and trends at a micro level and provides a critique of the macro-level analysis that has informed the peace process in Sri Lanka to date.