Managing for Development Results at ADB

Results Matter October 2007

MfDR Country Case: Sri Lanka
By Richard Vokes, Country Director, Sri Lanka Resident Mission

Strengthening the investment climate is Sri Lanka is one of the pillars of ADB’s country strategy

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is actively encouraging and supporting the Government’s efforts to adopt MfDR while involving other donors in the process. The new country partnership strategy (CPS) for Sri Lanka to be presented to the Board toward the end of 2007 will be results based. The country portfolio reviews will also be results-based, using indicators developed in consultation with the Government and with other stakeholders. The results-based approach in ADB operations is expected to improve development effectiveness.

Strategic Focus and Alignment of the CPS
The conflict is an important element in shaping ADB’s assistance strategy because it reduces the scope for poverty reduction and economic development. In recognition of the difficult environment and uncertainty it creates, the CPS will cover 3 years instead of 5 to give ADB ample scope to review its activities both during the midterm CPS review and in 2010. ADB will also proceed very cautiously with the implementation of the 3-year program and will, if necessary, postpone or cancel proposed projects if security deteriorates. At the same time, ADB plans to devote more time and effort to the implementation of ongoing projects to enhance development effectiveness and results. ADB’s strategy will focus on two main pillars: strengthening the investment climate and socially inclusive development. Governance and private sector development are the two major crosscutting themes in the new CPS. It will also introduce a results-based approach aligned with the Government’s emphasis on investment-driven growth to firm up the country’s middle income status and to reduce regional inequalities.

Use of Country Systems
A major step in harmonizing procurement procedures was taken by establishing the National Procurement Agency (NPA) in 2004. NPA is reviewing the present procurement system with a view to streamlining and simplifying processes. While ADB has extended support in this area, NPA is undertaking an OECD-DAC baseline survey of procurement indicators. ADB plans to carry out a study on procurement risk analysis.

View entire document [ PDF: 639kb | 12 pages ] | About Results Matter