🇱🇰 Australia, IFES Launch Phase II of Strengthening Governance Program

The International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) Sri Lanka, partnered with the Australian High Commission, has officially launched the second phase of the Strengthening Governance Program (SG2). Running from 2026 to 2028, the initiative operates under the Australia–Sri Lanka Governance for Growth Agreement and the broader Development Partnership Plan (2025–2030). Key Focus Areas & Impact: • Democratic Governance: Aims to strengthen democratic institutions, support evidence-based policymaking, and enhance electoral integrity. • Inclusion & Diversity: Focuses heavily on disability-inclusive governance and reducing barriers to public participation. Achievements from Phase I include operationalizing the Election Commission’s Disability and Inclusion Unit and improving sign language services and accessibility standards. • Women's Representation: Designed to actively promote greater representation of women in elected office across the country. • Partnership Framework: Funded by the Australian Government, the program is being implemented in close collaboration with Sri Lankan Government institutions, Parliament, the Election Commission, and local civil society organizations to support locally-led reforms.