Civil Society Sustainability Index 2018 for Asia: Sri Lanka Country Report

Abstract

Overall CSO sustainability improved marginally in 2018 with Sri Lanka receiving a score of 4.5. Two dimensions of sustainability experienced deterioration during the year. The legal environment worsened as a result of delays in registration and continued state harassment, while negative statements by prominent government representatives tarnished the sector’s public image. On the other hand, organizational capacity, advocacy, and the infrastructure supporting the sector all improved. Organizational capacity strengthened as CSOs built more informal constituencies online. CSO advocacy increased as CSOs increasingly engaged in the law reform process and used social media to reach the public on a wide range of issues. Increased collaboration among CSOs and with other sectors contributed to an improvement in sectoral infrastructure. Financial viability and service provision did not change significantly in 2018. CSOs continue to be reliant on international donors and only a few CSOs provide goods and services.