Revisiting Local Government Service Delivery in Sri Lanka

This study seeks to position the findings of a survey on the delivery of public services by Pradeshiya Sabhas (PSs) within the macro context of public service delivery. The purpose is to understand governance issues and implications arising in this context, with regards to the nature and scope of the institutional space available at the micro level for elected local authorities in responding to development outcomes at the local level. The study is undertaken with a view to identifying thematic areas for research and policy engagement in bringing about inclusive development at the local level. The study takes off from “Surveys on the delivery of public services by Pradeshiya Sabhas”, carried out by the Centre for Poverty Analysis (CEPA). These were conducted in Monaragala, Batticaloa and Mullaitivu Districts, using the Citizen Report Card (CRC) methodology as the tool for assessing access, quality and satisfaction of actual users of public services as well as a tool for social accountability of the service provider.