The Asia Foundation

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.

This study is an assessment of local economic governance and the enabling environment for private enterprise in Sri Lanka's Eastern Province. Good economic governance is of paramount importance to the creation of a dynamic economic environment...

This study is an assessment of local economic governance and the enabling environment for private enterprise in Sri Lanka's Eastern Province. Good economic governance is of paramount importance to the creation of a dynamic economic environment and sustained growth. For Sri Lanka's Eastern Province, which has been affected by civil war for over two decades, the creation of such an environment is critical to its recovery. The Asia Foundation's (The Foundation's) approach to fostering effective economic governance in Asia is grounded in recognition of the private sector as the engine for economic growth. However, private sector activity is often constrained by a wide range of institutional obstacles. To address the constraints to private sector growth, the Foundation has developed specialized tools to measure the quality of local economic governance in a country and to engage with both public and private sector actors on policy reform.

Maldives 2012

Gang violence in the Maldives is becoming increasingly commonplace and the nature of violence more brutal as new types of drugs and weapons are used. There are reportedly between 20 and 30 different gangs operating in...

Maldives 2012

Gang violence in the Maldives is becoming increasingly commonplace and the nature of violence more brutal as new types of drugs and weapons are used. There are reportedly between 20 and 30 different gangs operating in Male' with 50 to 400 members in each group. Gang violence impacts almost all citizens of the capital in one way or another. Businesses and neighbourhoods frequently have property damaged during gang violence; youth congregate in public areas, often using drugs and starting fights; and during political rallies gangs are seen on the streets causing chaos.

In late 2010 The Asia Foundation in Sri Lanka commissioned a public perceptions survey that aimed to capture the post-war mood of the nation. The survey sought to gauge public opinion about the overall direction of the country, the economy,...

In late 2010 The Asia Foundation in Sri Lanka commissioned a public perceptions survey that aimed to capture the post-war mood of the nation. The survey sought to gauge public opinion about the overall direction of the country, the economy, public institutions, the central government, and local conditions.

Sri  Lanka is a multi-­ethnic, multi-­religious society with four major religions: Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, and   Roman Catholicism. As the country emerges from decades of war, new ethno-­religious dynamics are emerging...

Sri  Lanka is a multi-­ethnic, multi-­religious society with four major religions: Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, and   Roman Catholicism. As the country emerges from decades of war, new ethno-­religious dynamics are emerging which have implications for peace and coexistence between communities. This survey is meant to help uncover some of those dynamics. Within this complex and evolving ethno-­religious landscape, The Asia Foundation conducted the National Values in Sri Lanka Survey in late 2011 to gain a more grounded understanding of people's perceptions of religious beliefs and practices, influence of religious leaders, inter-­religious relations, and tolerance for religious expression.