The Asia Foundation

Occasional Paper No. 2, July 2010

The processes of development are fundamentally shaped by powerful political, economic, and security actors in aid-recipient countries. These actors use their influence to shape formal governance...

Occasional Paper No. 2, July 2010

The processes of development are fundamentally shaped by powerful political, economic, and security actors in aid-recipient countries. These actors use their influence to shape formal governance institutions, policies, and the distribution of development assistance to advance their interests. The political settlements framework is an important new approach that may help international development organizations to better understand and respond to this reality and the challenges to developmental progress that is often affected by political dynamics in developing countries. This paper seeks to translate the concepts underlying political settlements into principles, strategies, and guidelines for practical action by donors and other development assistance organizations.

Thomas Parks, Regional Director for Governance and Conflict, The Asia Foundation
William Cole, Senior Director, Governance, Law, and Civil Society Programs & Program Strategy and Development, The Asia Foundation

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.

From March to April 2008, The Asia Foundation conducted a qualitative assessment of local economic governance in Sri Lanka's Eastern Province. This Policy Brief presents the assessment's main findings and resulting policy implications. Local...

From March to April 2008, The Asia Foundation conducted a qualitative assessment of local economic governance in Sri Lanka's Eastern Province. This Policy Brief presents the assessment's main findings and resulting policy implications. Local economic policies and the conduct of local government officials shape the enabling environment for private sector dynamism and sustained economic growth. In Sri Lanka's Eastern Province, which has been affected by civil war for over two decades, economic growth is particularly critical to its recovery. The overall purpose of this assessment was therefore to provide local government officials, the business community, and the general public with relevant information about major impediments in the business environment in the Eastern Province as a starting point for policy discussions and reform.

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.

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.

(Tamil Version) This publication is intended to serve as a guide to clarify services provided by the Central Environmental Authority (CEA). It provides a detailed outline of the legalities, fees, application process, timeline and recourse...

(Tamil Version) This publication is intended to serve as a guide to clarify services provided by the Central Environmental Authority (CEA). It provides a detailed outline of the legalities, fees, application process, timeline and recourse available for a broad range of CEA 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 an environmental protection license, or the process of obtaining site approval, for example. It seeks to inform members of the public and business community about the services, authority, and responsibilities of the CEA 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 Version) This publication is intended to serve as a guide to clarify services provided by the Central Environmental Authority (CEA). It provides a detailed outline of the legalities, fees, application process, timeline and recourse...

(Sinhala Version) This publication is intended to serve as a guide to clarify services provided by the Central Environmental Authority (CEA). It provides a detailed outline of the legalities, fees, application process, timeline and recourse available for a broad range of CEA 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 an environmental protection license, or the process of obtaining site approval, for example. It seeks to inform members of the public and business community about the services, authority, and responsibilities of the CEA 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 Central Environmental Authority (CEA). It provides a detailed outline of the legalities, fees, application process, timeline and recourse available for a...

This publication is intended to serve as a guide to clarify services provided by the Central Environmental Authority (CEA). It provides a detailed outline of the legalities, fees, application process, timeline and recourse available for a broad range of CEA 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 an environmental protection license, or the process of obtaining site approval, for example. It seeks to inform members of the public and business community about the services, authority, and responsibilities of the CEA 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 Version) This publication is intended to serve as a guide to clarify local government services provided by the Board of Investment (BOI). It provides a detailed outline of the legalities, eligibility, fees, application process, timeline...

(Tamil Version) This publication is intended to serve as a guide to clarify local government services provided by the Board of Investment (BOI). It provides a detailed outline of the legalities, eligibility, fees, application process, timeline and recourse available for a broad range of BOI 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 an environmental license, or the process of obtaining approval for factory buildings, for example. It seeks to inform members of the public and business community about the services, authority, and responsibilities of the BOI 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 Version) This publication is intended to serve as a guide to clarify local government services provided by the Board of Investment (BOI). It provides a detailed outline of the legalities, eligibility, fees, application process,...

(Sinhala Version) This publication is intended to serve as a guide to clarify local government services provided by the Board of Investment (BOI). It provides a detailed outline of the legalities, eligibility, fees, application process, timeline and recourse available for a broad range of BOI 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 an environmental license, or the process of obtaining approval for factory buildings, for example. It seeks to inform members of the public and business community about the services, authority, and responsibilities of the BOI 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 local government services provided by the Board of Investment (BOI). It provides a detailed outline of the legalities, eligibility, fees, application process, timeline and recourse...

This publication is intended to serve as a guide to clarify local government services provided by the Board of Investment (BOI). It provides a detailed outline of the legalities, eligibility, fees, application process, timeline and recourse available for a broad range of BOI 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 an environmental license, or the process of obtaining approval for factory buildings, for example. It seeks to inform members of the public and business community about the services, authority, and responsibilities of the BOI 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 Version) This publication is intended to serve as a guide to clarify local government services provided by district secretariats. It provides a detailed outline of the legalities, eligibility, fees, application process, timeline and...

(Tamil Version) This publication is intended to serve as a guide to clarify local government services provided by district secretariats. It provides a detailed outline of the legalities, eligibility, fees, application process, timeline and recourse available for a broad range of district secretariat 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 an extract from a voters list, or the process of obtaining a driving license, for example. It seeks to inform members of the public and business community about the services, authority, and responsibilities of district secretariats and their role in improving the conditions for economic growth and creating an enabling environment for small and medium enterprises to flourish in every district secretariat area in Sri Lanka. The Guide Book is available in English, Sinhala and Tamil.

(Sinhala Version) This publication is intended to serve as a guide to clarify local government services provided by district secretariats. It provides a detailed outline of the legalities, eligibility, fees, application process, timeline and...

(Sinhala Version) This publication is intended to serve as a guide to clarify local government services provided by district secretariats. It provides a detailed outline of the legalities, eligibility, fees, application process, timeline and recourse available for a broad range of district secretariat 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 an extract from a voters list, or the process of obtaining a driving license, for example. It seeks to inform members of the public and business community about the services, authority, and responsibilities of district secretariats and their role in improving the conditions for economic growth and creating an enabling environment for small and medium enterprises to flourish in every district secretariat area in Sri Lanka. The Guide Book is available in English, Sinhala and Tamil.

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

This publication is intended to serve as a guide to clarify local government services provided by district secretariats. It provides a detailed outline of the legalities, eligibility, fees, application process, timeline and recourse available for a broad range of district secretariat 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 an extract from a voters list, or the process of obtaining a driving license, for example. It seeks to inform members of the public and business community about the services, authority, and responsibilities of district secretariats and their role in improving the conditions for economic growth and creating an enabling environment for small and medium enterprises to flourish in every district secretariat area in Sri Lanka. The Guide Book is available in English, Sinhala and Tamil.

(Tamil Version) This publication is intended to serve as a guide to clarify local government services provided by pradeshiya sabhas. It provides a detailed outline of the legalities, eligibility, fees, application process, timeline...

(Tamil Version) This publication is intended to serve as a guide to clarify local government services provided by pradeshiya sabhas. It provides a detailed outline of the legalities, eligibility, fees, application process, timeline and recourse available for a broad range of pradeshyia sabha 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 pradeshiya sabhas and their role in improving the conditions for economic growth and creating an enabling environment for small and medium enterprises to flourish in every pradeshiya sabha area in Sri Lanka. The Guide Book is available in English, Sinhala and Tamil.

(Sinhala Version) This publication is intended to serve as a guide to clarify local government services provided by pradeshiya sabhas. It provides a detailed outline of the legalities, eligibility, fees, application process, timeline and...

(Sinhala Version) This publication is intended to serve as a guide to clarify local government services provided by pradeshiya sabhas. It provides a detailed outline of the legalities, eligibility, fees, application process, timeline and recourse available for a broad range of pradeshyia sabha 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 pradeshiya sabhas and their role in improving the conditions for economic growth and creating an enabling environment for small and medium enterprises to flourish in every pradeshiya sabha area in Sri Lanka. The Guide Book is available in English, Sinhala and Tamil.

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

This publication is intended to serve as a guide to clarify local government services provided by pradeshiya sabhas. It provides a detailed outline of the legalities, eligibility, fees, application process, timeline and recourse available for a broad range of pradeshyia sabha 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 pradeshiya sabhas and their role in improving the conditions for economic growth and creating an enabling environment for small and medium enterprises to flourish in every pradeshiya sabha area in Sri Lanka. The Guide Book is available in English, Sinhala and Tamil.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

(Sinhala Version) 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...

(Sinhala Version) 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.