Reviewing the Data Dissemination Practices of Sri Lanka’s Department of Census and Statistics

Abstract

In 2014, a data dissemination policy was introduced by the Department of Census and Statistics (DCS) in Sri Lanka. The DCS is the primary agency responsible for the collection, compilation and dissemination of official statistics. In this context, this policy note evaluates this policy and finds that there is a significant mismatch between the policy and what is practiced. Additionally, Sri Lanka falls behind most of its South Asian peers, such as India, where data dissemination policies are more progressive, inclusive and successfully operationalised.