Opportunities to Protect Public Interest in Public Infrastructure: Review of Regulatory Frameworks in Sri Lanka

Abstract

Investment into infrastructure is vital for development. However, in the context of weak governance, public investment into large and complex infrastructure can become a fertile ground for corruption and results in unsustainable, costly, and poor-quality infrastructure that fails to meet the intended objectives.

This report provides a baseline understanding of the current regulatory frameworks governing the procurement of large infrastructure projects in Sri Lanka, identify gaps and weaknesses in the existing frameworks, and locate opportunities available for the public and civil society organisations (CSOs) to bridge the identified gaps and ensure that the investment decisions made by the government adequately reflect the interests and concerns of the public. The report focuses on three critical areas in the project lifecycle: procurement, environmental impact assessment, and involuntary resettlement.