E-Government Research Initiative: Enhancing Public Sector Governance
Research Overview
A collaborative research initiative has been established to explore the transformative potential of e-government technologies in strengthening governance frameworks within Sri Lanka's public sector. This comprehensive study investigates how digital transformation can address critical governance challenges and improve public service delivery.
Research Partnership
The study represents a tri-party collaboration bringing together academic excellence and industry expertise:
Academic Partners:
Faculty of Technology, University of Sri Jayewardenepura (Lead Institution)
Malaysia University of Science and Technology (International Collaborator)
Industry Partner:
Incarnate (Pvt) Ltd (Financial Sponsor and Technical Support)
Research Leadership
Principal Investigators:
Dr. Pulasthi Gunawardhana - Faculty of Technology, University of Sri Jayewardenepura (Primary Supervisor)
Dr. Thanga Thurai Vengadasalam - Malaysia University of Science and Technology (Co-Supervisor)
Industry Mentor and Project Supporter :
Mr. Pulasthi Wanniarachchi - CEO, Incarnate (Pvt) Ltd
Research Team:
Mr. D. Vajira D. Hettiarachchi - PhD Research Scholar & Team
Research Context and Significance
This research initiative emerges from a critical examination of contemporary governance challenges facing developing nations, particularly Sri Lanka. The study addresses fundamental questions about leveraging digital innovation to create more responsive, transparent, and citizen-centric government systems.
Sri Lanka's public administration has encountered persistent challenges that have undermined institutional effectiveness and citizen trust. These include:
Administrative Inefficiencies: Prolonged bureaucratic processes that delay service delivery
Limited Transparency: Insufficient public access to government information and decision-making processes
Weak Citizen Engagement: Minimal opportunities for meaningful public participation in governance
Accountability Gaps: Inadequate mechanisms for monitoring government performance and responsiveness
Research Objectives
The study seeks to establish e-government as a strategic intervention capable of transforming these governance deficits into opportunities for institutional strengthening. The research examines how digital technologies can serve as catalysts for:
Enhanced Transparency: Creating open government platforms that provide citizens with real-time access to public information
Improved Accountability: Developing digital monitoring systems that track government performance and enable citizen oversight
Increased Efficiency: Streamlining administrative processes through automation and digital workflows
Strengthened Citizen Participation: Establishing digital channels for public consultation and collaborative governance
Strategic Importance
This research contributes to Sri Lanka's broader modernization agenda by providing evidence-based insights into digital governance transformation. The findings will inform policy recommendations for government institutions seeking to harness technology for improved public service delivery and enhanced democratic governance.
The collaborative nature of this initiative, combining local expertise with international perspectives and private sector innovation, positions it to generate practical solutions that are both globally informed and locally relevant.
