Sri Lanka is at a crucial stage in its governance and development journey, following the aftermath of the economic crisis which underscored the need for greater transparency, accountability, and public engagement in decision-making processes. The crisis has prompted increased civic activism, with citizens demanding stronger oversight mechanisms and more inclusive governance structures.

In response, the Government of Sri Lanka has prioritized public sector efficiency and integrity driven institutional reform for a citizen-centered public service, aiming to increase efficacy, accuracy, and transparency through digital means. Further, highlighted is social cohesion, in recognizing the need to rebuild trust between the state and citizens. However, structured, inclusive mechanisms for public participation in governance, civic engagement and feedback remain nascent, and gaps in institutional accountability persist, posing challenges to sustained democratic governance and equitable development. 

To address these challenges, UNDP Sri Lanka, under its SDG 16 portfolio (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions), is implementing targeted interventions aimed at strengthening civic spaces, fostering inclusive and participatory governance, and enhancing institutional accountability. These efforts are designed to enable civil society organizations (CSOs) and people (including informal youth networks and interested members of the public to play a more active role in shaping policies, monitoring governance processes and outcomes, and advocating for transparent decision-making.

The key objective of this assignment is to develop a digital citizen engagement platform to foster inclusive civic participation by increasing the engagement of people, especially youth, women and marginalized populations in decision-making processes in Sri Lanka.