Strengthening Governance Program Phase II launched

Australian High Commissioner Matthew Duckworth (right) with IFES Sri Lanka Country Director Silja PaasilinnaThe International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) Sri Lanka, in partnership with the Australian High Commission, has launched the second phase of the Strengthening Governance Program (SG2). Implemented under the Australia–Sri Lanka Governance for Growth Agreement, SG2 aims to strengthen democratic institutions, promote good governance and support evidence-based policymaking, improved public service delivery and greater inclusion of marginalised communities. The program will support stronger electoral integrity, promote disability inclusion by reducing barriers to participation in governance, and encourage greater representation of women in elected office. Funded by the Australian Government, SG2 forms part of the Australia–Sri Lanka Development Partnership Plan (2025–2030) and will be implemented in collaboration with Government institutions and civil society organisations. Australian High Commissioner Matthew Duckworth said Australia was proud to support Sri Lanka’s democratic journey, noting that strong democratic governance is fundamental to national progress. He said free and fair elections are central to ensuring citizens’ voices are heard and highlighted Australia’s long-standing support for subnational governance and its partnership with the Election Commission to promote safe, inclusive and credible elections. Parliamentary Caucus for Persons with Disabilities Chairperson Sugath Wasantha de Silva said the first phase of the program had strengthened disability-inclusive governance through enhanced policy engagement, district-level consultations and collaboration with Government institutions. He said the second phase would further institutionalise inclusive participation mechanisms. Election Commission Commissioner A.M. Faaiz said the program had contributed to making elections more responsive to emerging risks while supporting key reforms, including the operationalisation of the Commission’s Disability and Inclusion Unit. Ministry of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment Secretary Sampath Manthrinayake said the first phase had delivered improvements in sign language services, accessibility standards and frameworks to promote equitable access to public services. IFES Sri Lanka Country Director Silja Paasilinna said SG2 would build on the results of the first phase by supporting locally led reforms aimed at strengthening democratic institutions and embedding inclusive participation across Sri Lanka. The launch brought together representatives from the Government, Parliament, the Election Commission, civil society organisations, development partners and the Australian High Commission. The second phase of the program will run from 2026 to 2028.

Strengthening Governance Program Phase II launched | Daily FT