Centre For Policy Alternatives

The Centre for Policy Alternatives (CPA) was formed in the firm belief that there is an urgent need to strengthen institution and capacity-building for good governance and conflict transformation in Sri Lanka and that non-partisan civil society groups have an important and constructive contribution to make to this process. The primary role envisaged for the Centre in the field of public policy is a pro-active and interventionary one, aimed at the dissemination and advocacy of policy alternatives for non-violent conflict resolution and democratic governance. Accordingly, the work of the Centre involves a major research component through which the policy alternatives advocated are identified and developed. Vision A liberal democratic Sri Lanka. Mission To strengthen the civil society contribution to public policy making through programmes of research and advocacy in the areas of democratic governance and peace with human rights as an overarching priority. Objectives The objectives of the Centre are: -To contribute to public accountability in governance through the strengthening of the awareness in society of all aspects of public policy and policy implementation. -To make inputs into the public policy-making and implementation process in the constitutional, legislative and administrative spheres to ensure responsible and good governance. -To propose to the government and parliament and all other policy-making bodies and institutions, constructive policy alternatives aimed at strengthening and safeguarding democracy, pluralism, the Rule of Law, human rights and social justice. -To focus attention on the social and political consequences of development. -To contribute towards the conflict resolution process in Sri Lanka and the South Asian region, so as to strengthen institution and capacity-building for democratic governance in multi-ethnic and pluralist societies. In the pursuit of the above objectives, CPA carries out the following activities: -Programs of research and study of public policy. -Dissemination of research and study through seminars, conferences, the publication and exchange of ideas, including full use of the print and electronic media. -Advocacy of constructive policy alternatives, lobbying of decision-makers and the shaping of public opinion. -Monitoring of the executive, legislature, judiciary, media and other public institutions. -Provision of consultancy services to political parties and other organisations involved in the field of public policy and engaging them in dialogue on the issues identified above. -Forging linkages with local and foreign institutions with similar aims and objectives.