The Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung in Sri Lanka

Compared with other developing countries, Sri Lanka has progressed in many social fields and achieved economic growth. The country nevertheless still faces a variety of social and political problems. The most urgent of these is the ethno-political conflict that has broken out openly again following termination of the ceasefire between the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) and government troops in January 2008. The armed confrontation has not only claimed many casualties and triggered rising flows of refugees, jeopardising socio-economic development in the country, but is increasingly threatening the survival of democratic culture and the rule of law.

To counter these developments, the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung focuses its project work on promoting organisations of civil society, good governance, peaceful conflict resolution and trade union modernisation. The FES places an emphasis here on training women and young people and encouraging their commitment. Dialogue on economic and social issues between the government, parliament, the private sector and civil society organisations is intended to drive forward the process of public reforms. Regional integration in Southeast Asia and regional programmes of dialogue on questions of social policy and other matters are also cornerstones of our work.

In all these activities care is taken to involve representatives from different ethnic communities on an equal footing. Conflict resolution and conflict-sensitive planning are mainstreamed across all lines of work in Sri Lanka.

The Sri Lankan Office is also responsible for the Maldives.