Development Cooperation
Australia’s Development Cooperation in Sri Lanka
Australia is a long-standing and trusted development cooperation partner for Sri Lanka.
Our bilateral development programming is focussed on:
- Support for governance and reform agendas that foster inclusive economic growth;
- Improved livelihoods, including through employment opportunities for disadvantaged Sri Lankans;
- Support for human resource development and development leadership through Australia Awards scholarships; and
- Provision of humanitarian assistance in response to food insecurity, health and protection issues.
The map below provides an overview of Australia’s development investments in Sri Lanka between 2022-24.
More information on Australia’s development cooperation with Sri Lanka can be found here.
Direct Aid Program
Australia’s Direct Aid Program (DAP) is a flexible, small grants program that funds local organisations at the community level to deliver practical and tangible development outcomes.
Calls are now open for the 2025 round of Australia’s Direct Aid Program in Sri Lanka. DAP provides grants of up to $A80,000 over two years to local organisations.
Preference will be given to projects that address one or more of the following priorities:
- Promoting gender equality, disability inclusion and social inclusion
- Addressing environmental issues including climate change and improving agriculture
- Support local efforts to strengthen reconciliation and build peaceful and resilient communities.
Applications are due in the Smarty Grants system by 21 November 2024, at 5.00PM.
Please find further details here: Link
In 2024, DAP grants were awarded to seven projects in Sri Lanka focussing in climate change, women’s economic empowerment, gender-based violence and disability equity and rights. More details on the DAP 2024 programs can be found in the Direct Aid Program Brochure.
Stories from the Direct Aid Program in Sri Lanka can be found here.
Strengthening Governance
Australia is supporting more inclusive, efficient and accountable governance systems in partnership with the Government of Sri Lanka. Through our partners, the programs aim to contribute to improved evidence-based policy and decision-making, better service delivery, and improved voice and agency particularly for marginalised groups.
Australia’s partnership with the World Bank seeks to eliminate barriers to economic growth and provide improved macroeconomic stability in areas such as trade facilitation and improving the investment climate. The Asia Foundation is strengthening subnational governance and improving service delivery particularly in the areas of public finance management, business facilitation, and social protection. The International Foundation for Electoral Systems program supports greater voice, agency and representation in democratic processes at the subnational level for women, youth and people with disabilities. Australia also supports a wide range of civil society including partners such as Sri Lankan Press Institute, Sri Lankan Evaluation Association, Verite Research and the International Centre for Ethnic Studies.
Fact sheet on Australia's support for strengthening governance in Sri Lanka
Knowledge and Linkages for Inclusive Economy grants program
The Knowledge and Linkages for an Inclusive Economy (KLIE) Grant Program supports partnerships between Sri Lankan and Australian government agencies, research institutions, civil society and professional networks. Close to AUD 4.1 million in grants has been committed since 2018.
Details of partnerships funded through the KLIE Grant Program are provided below.
Australia Awards Scholarships
Scholarships for study in Australia have been an important component of the Australian Government’s official development assistance program to Sri Lanka since the Colombo Plan in the 1950s. Australia Awards offer emerging leaders the opportunity to undertake study, research and professional development with the support of the Australian Government. The opportunities provided by Australia Awards develop the skills, knowledge and networks of individuals to drive change and contribute to development in their own countries and regions while maintaining strong links to Australia. Australia Awards Scholarships are granted on a competitive basis to Sri Lankan and Maldivian citizens who meet the eligibility criteria stipulated for their respective countries.
Full details regarding Australia Awards Scholarships, and details on how to apply, can be found by accessing the following website: https://australiaawardssouthwestasia.org/
COVID-19 response
Australia responded quickly to support Sri Lanka’s COVID-19 response with a focus on health, community resilience and stability and economic recovery. Read more about Australia’s COVID-19 response in Sri Lanka here.
Gender and Inclusion Plan
The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) addresses gender equality and social inclusion (GESI), both internally and externally, through a number of policies and strategies. The 2017 Foreign Policy White Paper states ‘Australia’s foreign policy pursues the empowerment of women as a top priority’ and outlines disability inclusion as a cross cutting priority in Australia’s international engagement on development, humanitarian assistance and human rights.
This whole-of-Post Inclusion Strategy places inclusion at the core of all advocacy, policy and programming activities of the AHC through a human rights-based approach to social equality.
Colombo Post Inclusion Strategy