Development Cooperation
Overview of the Australia-Sri Lanka Development Partnership
Australia has a longstanding and impactful development program in Sri Lanka. Over the past decade, Australia has supported a wide range of economic and governance reform in Sri Lanka, as well as measures to strengthen civil society and build skills development.
In response to Sri Lanka’s 2022 economic crisis, Australia provided a surge in funding ($75 million in 2022) to meet immediate humanitarian food security and health needs. As Sri Lanka’s economic recovery continues, Australia’s development program will seek to support inclusive, sustainable and resilient economic growth.
Australia is a trusted partner of choice for Sri Lanka. We listen carefully to Sri Lankan partners to build a better understanding of their needs and common challenges. We work in friendship on joint development solutions to support the growth of a strong, successful Sri Lanka, in turn contributing to a more resilient Indian Ocean region.
In 2024-25, the Australian Government will provide an estimated $23.9 million in Official Development Assistance (ODA) to Sri Lanka. This includes an estimated $16 million in bilateral funding, managed by DFAT.
For more information on Australia’s development partnership with Sri Lanka visit our DFAT website. Details on programs in Sri Lanka is available on the AusDevPortal.
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Australia’s Direct Aid Program – Sri Lanka 2025 Round
Applications for the 2025 round of Australia’s Direct Aid Program (DAP) in Sri Lanka have now closed.
We thank all applicants for their interest and commitment to delivering impactful community-level development outcomes. This round saw strong proposals aligned with DAP priorities, including:
- Promoting gender equality, disability inclusion, youth and social inclusion
- Addressing environmental issues such as climate change and sustainable agriculture
- Supporting mental health and wellbeing
Applications are currently under consideration. Successful projects will be announced following the assessment process. We expect the 2026 round to open in the second half of the year.