Advocata Policy Brief : The Role of Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) as a Sustainable Alternative to Public Infrastructure Investments in Sri Lanka

The Budget Speech 2024 revealed that Sri Lanka plans to accelerate Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) to secure the required investments and expertise to facilitate continued provision of much needed public infrastructure projects across the country. Against the backdrop of Sri Lanka’s efforts to come out of its current economic crisis, which was largely caused by the mismanagement of public finances and unsustainable levels of national debt - partly taken to fund large scale public infrastructure projects, this indication to involve the private sector in public infrastructure service provision going forward is a positive and sustainable sign.

However, the PPP framework in Sri Lanka at present is characterised by multiple institutional and regulatory weaknesses, which should be resolved before PPPs can fully serve to facilitate sustainable infrastructure investments in the country.

Here is the link to the Advocata Policy Brief on The Role of Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) as a Sustainable Alternative to Public Infrastructure Investments in Sri Lanka

WPAN Policy Brief : Informal Employment With a Focus on Domestic Workers in Sri Lanka

Domestic workers in Sri Lanka have been a significant part of the paid care eco-system, and have long suffered from poor working conditions caused by many economic and social barriers. Prior to the establishment of specialized child care, and elderly care agencies which are still limited to urban Sri Lanka, domestic workers made up almost all of the paid care sector in the country.

Here is the link to the WPAN Policy Brief on Informal Employment With a Focus on Domestic Workers in Sri Lanka

WPAN Policy Brief : Closing The Divide through Women's Access to Finance

Financial inclusion is the access individuals and businesses have to useful and affordable financial products and services that meet their needs, such as for transactions, payments, savings, credit and insurance. They also must be delivered in a responsible and sustainable way promoting engagement in the formal financial sector.  Access to affordable finance aims to enhance living standards, increase income, stimulate business investment, reduce unemployment, and foster economic growth by expanding financial networks and reducing barriers to entry. 

Here is the link to the WPAN Policy Brief on Closing the Divide through Women’s Access to Finance

Advocata Policy Brief : Tax Free Periods: Call for the Removal of Taxes on Menstrual Products

The affordability of sanitary napkins and its significant impact on the welfare of girls and women in Sri Lanka has become more pronounced in recent years. This is particularly evident due to the decline in purchasing power stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic and the economic crisis. Approximately 4 million Sri Lankans have descended into poverty since 2019, making the total number of Sri Lankans living in poverty approximately 7 million. Therefore, it is necessary to examine the ramifications of the lack of affordability of sanitary napkins which is worsened by the imposition of high taxes on sanitary napkins.

Here is the link to Advocata’s Policy Brief on Tax Free Periods: Call for the Removal of Taxes on Menstrual Products

Advocata Policy Brief : Minimum Room Rates

The proposed minimum room rates seek to place a rate of USD 100 on 5 star hotels, USD 75 for 4 star hotels, USD 50 for 3 star hotels, USD 35 for 2 star hotels, and USD 20 for 1 star hotels within the city of Colombo, effective from October 1, 2023. This will, in effect, act as a price control, ensuring that hotels within these star classifications located within the city of Colombo cannot price their rooms at rates lower than those prescribed by the government. The below policy brief will explore the dynamics of the hotel industry and provide a critical analysis of the potential consequences and challenges of implementing this scheme. By critically evaluating these effects, we aim to provide policymakers and stakeholders with a holistic perspective to inform their decisions.

Here is a link to Advocata’s Policy Brief on Sri Lanka’s Minimum Room Rates