Aguasan Workshop (24) 2008 Summary of the case study Sri Lanka - 16.10.2008

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Case study Sri Lanka Summary of the working group results (Neil, Zaman, Erich)

SOCIO-ECONOMIC & POLITICAL ENVIRONMENT

The Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka is a free, independent and sovereign nation with a system of administration through provincial councils introduced in 1988. Legislative power is exercised by Parliament, elected by universal franchise on a proportional representation basis.

Administrative decentralization is limited with control by the center over functions. There are additional layers of administration and overlapping responsibilities. Provincial Councils have not been effective in public service delivery. Although SL is recognized for its comparatively high levels of health and education among other low income countries, improving services is a pressing task. GOVT. STRATEGY & POLICY IN RWS W&S providers are National Water Supply & Drainage Board –NWS&DB, under the Ministry of WS & Drainage and the local authorities (MCs, UCs & Pradeshiya Sabhas at divisional level). With the setting in place of RWS policy a RWS&S division had been established at the Ministry with Provincial units at PC and Divisional levels towards decentralization of RWS&S development activities. The policy promotes community managed projects and private, public and non-government sector partnerships. HISTORY OF THE CASE Project initiated in early 2004 by Helvetas Sri Lanka in collaboration with the NWS&DB with funds provided by Georg Fischer (+GF+) in line with their centenary celebrations. The target area is a Grama Niladhari division (lowest level local government unit) comprising 3 villages. (MODEL PILOTED. NWS&DB pursuing replication in small towns under the ADB funded RWS&S project) MAIN FEATURES

Community managed project cycle NWS&DB is the main technical service provider & backstopper. Local authority provides legislative support. CBO sets standards, tariffs and manages in accordance with the constitution. Transparency in all matters. Mechanisms in place to support the poor.

Aguasan Workshop (24) 2008 Summary of the case study Sri Lanka - 16.10.2008

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Aguasan Workshop (24) 2008 Summary of the case study Sri Lanka - 16.10.2008

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Aguasan Workshop (24) 2008 Summary of the case study Sri Lanka - 16.10.2008

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