Sri Lanka civil society sector formative evaluation

The United States Agency for International Development in Sri Lanka (USAID/Sri Lanka) commissioned this formative evaluation of the civil society sector to inform its new Country Development Cooperation Strategy, which includes a cross-cutting result on civil society. The evaluation questions (EQs) examined (1) civil society organizations? (CSOs) technical strengths and weaknesses; (1a) risks and opportunities; (1b) CSOs? knowledge and attitudes about contributing to higher-level results; (2) CSOs? trust and credibility and the reasons for those perceptions; (2a) how CSO activities have affected perceptions; and (2b) challenges and opportunities to improve civil society credibility. To address these questions, the evaluation used a desk review and primary data collection (online survey with 42 responses, 64 interviews, and 23 focus groups) with CSOs, community-based organizations (CBOs), constituents, local government officials, USAID, and sector experts.

The report found that the main strengths of CSOs are strong grassroots connections, institutional and staff expertise, and networks. Weaknesses included short-term projects and funding, insufficient legal expertise, poor communication and outreach, and integration of younger staff. Space for CSOs is shrinking, and human rights and government accountability CSOs reported greater risks. Higher-level results were seen among larger organizations in democratic development. CSOs based in the North and East have a higher level of trust and credibility than those elsewhere in the country, and achievement of tangible outcomes is a key factor in stakeholder perceptions of CSO effectiveness. The report concludes with eight recommendations for civil society programming in Sri Lanka.