The Asia Foundation

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

This publication is intended to serve as a guide to clarify services provided by the Urban Development Authority (UDA). It provides a detailed outline of the legalities, fees, application process, timeline and recourse available for a broad range of UDA 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 a permit for a change of use of residential buildings, or the process of demolishing unauthorized constructions, for example. It seeks to inform members of the public and business community about the services, authority, and responsibilities of the UDA 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) This publication is intended to serve as a guide to clarify services provided by the Urban Development Authority (UDA). It provides a detailed outline of the legalities, fees, application process, timeline and recourse available for a...

(Tamil) This publication is intended to serve as a guide to clarify services provided by the Urban Development Authority (UDA). It provides a detailed outline of the legalities, fees, application process, timeline and recourse available for a broad range of UDA 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 a permit for a change of use of residential buildings, or the process of demolishing unauthorized constructions, for example. It seeks to inform members of the public and business community about the services, authority, and responsibilities of the UDA 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) This publication is intended to serve as a guide to clarify services provided by the Urban Development Authority (UDA). It provides a detailed outline of the legalities, fees, application process, timeline and recourse available for...

(Sinhala) This publication is intended to serve as a guide to clarify services provided by the Urban Development Authority (UDA). It provides a detailed outline of the legalities, fees, application process, timeline and recourse available for a broad range of UDA 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 a permit for a change of use of residential buildings, or the process of demolishing unauthorized constructions, for example. It seeks to inform members of the public and business community about the services, authority, and responsibilities of the UDA 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 Provincial Councils in Sri Lanka. It provides a detailed outline of the legalities, eligibility, fees, application process, timeline and resources available...

This publication is intended to serve as a guide to clarify services provided by the Provincial Councils in Sri Lanka. It provides a detailed outline of the legalities, eligibility, fees, application process, timeline and resources 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 the payment of turnover tax, or the process of admitting a child to a home for children, for example. It seeks to inform members of the public and business community about the services, authority, and responsibilities of Provincial 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 Provincial Council area of Sri Lanka. The guide book is available in English, Sinhala and Tamil.

(Sinhala) This publication is intended to serve as a guide to clarify services provided by the Provincial Councils in Sri Lanka. It provides a detailed outline of the legalities, eligibility, fees, application process, timeline and resources...

(Sinhala) This publication is intended to serve as a guide to clarify services provided by the Provincial Councils in Sri Lanka. It provides a detailed outline of the legalities, eligibility, fees, application process, timeline and resources 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 the payment of turnover tax, or the process of admitting a child to a home for children, for example. It seeks to inform members of the public and business community about the services, authority, and responsibilities of Provincial 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 Provincial Council area of Sri Lanka. The guide book is available in English, Sinhala and Tamil.

(Tamil) This publication is intended to serve as a guide to clarify services provided by the Provincial Councils in Sri Lanka. It provides a detailed outline of the legalities, eligibility, fees, application process, timeline and resources...

(Tamil) This publication is intended to serve as a guide to clarify services provided by the Provincial Councils in Sri Lanka. It provides a detailed outline of the legalities, eligibility, fees, application process, timeline and resources 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 the payment of turnover tax, or the process of admitting a child to a home for children, for example. It seeks to inform members of the public and business community about the services, authority, and responsibilities of Provincial 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 Provincial Council area of Sri Lanka. The guide book is available in English, Sinhala and Tamil.

LankaCorps is a new and unique volunteer program for young professionals in the Sri Lankan diaspora, between the ages of 21 and 29, who want to contribute to this dynamic, multi-ethnic nation. Apply for a fellowship and help contribute to the...

LankaCorps is a new and unique volunteer program for young professionals in the Sri Lankan diaspora, between the ages of 21 and 29, who want to contribute to this dynamic, multi-ethnic nation. Apply for a fellowship and help contribute to the island's long-term recovery. Short-term placements are available with established businesses, nonprofits, and government departments. Participate in local social and economic initiatives and organizations, while discovering yourself and gaining a deeper understanding of contemporary Sri Lanka.

LankaCorps is a unique volunteer program for young professionals, between the ages of 21 and 29, of Sri Lankan heritage who want to contribute to this dynamic, multi-ethnic nation. After decades of war, The Asia Foundation believes these...

LankaCorps is a unique volunteer program for young professionals, between the ages of 21 and 29, of Sri Lankan heritage who want to contribute to this dynamic, multi-ethnic nation. After decades of war, The Asia Foundation believes these fellowships will help contribute to the island's long-term recovery.

Fellows are placed in six-month assignments with established businesses, nonprots, and government departments. They participate in local social and economic initiatives and organizations, while discovering themselves and gaining a deeper understanding of contemporary Sri Lanka.

Religious leaders of all faiths are highly regarded in Sri Lankan society, and an accurate picture of the current reality for this island nation is incomplete without considering Muslims. Sometimes referred to as Sri Lankan Moors, they...

Religious leaders of all faiths are highly regarded in Sri Lankan society, and an accurate picture of the current reality for this island nation is incomplete without considering Muslims. Sometimes referred to as Sri Lankan Moors, they comprise 7 percent of the country's population. Their mother-tongue is Tamil but they are a distinct ethnic group with their own customs. Muslims are found all over the island but the largest concentration is in the Eastern Province.

In 2005, The Asia Foundation inaugurated the Psychosocial Program (PSP) to help Sri Lankan communities overcome the lasting effects of conflict related violence. PSP is a partnership with two local NGOs, the Family Rehabilitation Centre (FRC)...

In 2005, The Asia Foundation inaugurated the Psychosocial Program (PSP) to help Sri Lankan communities overcome the lasting effects of conflict related violence. PSP is a partnership with two local NGOs, the Family Rehabilitation Centre (FRC) and Shanthiham (The Association for Health and Counseling), which provide psychosocial support services to survivors of war, conflict, trauma, and torture.

The Asia Foundation has been working with the Ministry of Justice in Sri Lanka since the 1960s on a variety of programs designed to improve the administration of justice. The first Community Mediation Boards of Sri Lanka were established in...

The Asia Foundation has been working with the Ministry of Justice in Sri Lanka since the 1960s on a variety of programs designed to improve the administration of justice. The first Community Mediation Boards of Sri Lanka were established in 1990 as an alternative form of dispute resolution, providing accessible, timely, and affordable justice by settling disputes between individuals, families, and small groups. Since then, the Foundation has supported the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) with the objective of facilitating the voluntary settlement of minor disputes using interest-based mediation. The Community Mediation Boards project is the Foundation’s longest-running program of assistance in Sri Lanka.

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.

(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.

Application form for LankaCorps Fellows program. Applications should be submitted to: James Grant, Program Assistant, Asian American Exchange, The Asia Foundation, Tel: (415) 743-3303; E-mail:

Application form for LankaCorps Fellows program. Applications should be submitted to: James Grant, Program Assistant, Asian American Exchange, The Asia Foundation, Tel: (415) 743-3303; E-mail: jgrant@asiafound.org.

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.

This Sinhala and Tamil press review, conducted under the aegis of the second Strategic Conflict Assessment (SCA2), "Aid, Conflict and Peacebuilding in Sri Lanka" (Goodhand and Klem, 2005), sought to capture local perspectives on the island's...

This Sinhala and Tamil press review, conducted under the aegis of the second Strategic Conflict Assessment (SCA2), "Aid, Conflict and Peacebuilding in Sri Lanka" (Goodhand and Klem, 2005), sought to capture local perspectives on the island's protracted conflict and Norwegian-brokered peace process as reflected in the vernacular press. While many local actors have been subject to closer scrutiny in relation to Sri Lanka's politics and peace process, there has been insufficient focus on the role of the vernacular media.

This report is a contribution to a broader study entitled, "Aid, Conflict and Peacebuilding in Sri Lanka" (Goodhand and Klem, 2005), which examines the peace process in Sri Lanka with a particular focus on international engagement. This...

This report is a contribution to a broader study entitled, "Aid, Conflict and Peacebuilding in Sri Lanka" (Goodhand and Klem, 2005), which examines the peace process in Sri Lanka with a particular focus on international engagement. This particular background study focuses on the relationship between the economic agenda of the United Nations Front (UNF) government and the peace process it initiated by signing the February 2002 Ceasefire Agreement (CFA). The UNF government tried to carry out an extensive programme of reforms on the economic front while initiating a difficult process of political negotiations with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). The basic conclusion of the study is that the political fallout from the economic reform program undermined the peace process, signified by the defeat of the UNF government in April 2004.

Ethnic conflict in the Sri Lanka’s Eastern Province continues to threaten the stability and development both of that region and the entire country. As a result, the Asia Foundation, the Foundation for Co-existence, and others are...

Ethnic conflict in the Sri Lanka’s Eastern Province continues to threaten the stability and development both of that region and the entire country. As a result, the Asia Foundation, the Foundation for Co-existence, and others are involved in efforts to develop a framework for early a warning and response to potential conflicts in the east. A necessary step in this process is research that offers an accurate assessment of public attitudes concerning this situation, a better understanding of the initial signs of conflict, and ways that conflict can be prevented. The purpose of this survey, based on individual interviews, was to systematically gauge ordinary citizens’ perceptions of conflict in the East, and to move beyond reliance on the “usual (key informant) suspects.” A secondary aim was to identify pressing issues that could be explored through a follow-up quantitative survey designed to measure changes in public perceptions of, and attitudes towards, the level of human security in the East.