To ensure open governance, transparency, and accountability in Sri Lanka, Minister of Science and Technology Prof. Chrishantha Abeysena and Mr. Shanakiyan Rasamanickam participated in a special international conference in Bangkok, Thailand.
The Open Government Partnership Regional Learning Exchange Roundtable, organized by the Westminster Foundation for Democracy of the United Kingdom, took place on 10 March 2026. The event was attended by senior policymakers and representatives from Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Maldives, and Thailand.
Sri Lanka was previously inactive in the Open Government Partnership process, and the conference featured extensive discussions on its reactivation and the roadmap for preparing a National Action Plan. A primary objective was to share experiences regarding the successes and challenges of implementing open governance reforms in neighboring countries. Participants focused on securing political leadership support for these reforms and ensuring they are effectively implemented for the benefit of the public rather than remaining limited to official documents.
Representing Sri Lanka, MP Shanakkian Rasamanikkam, OGP Asia Pacific Regional Head Swati Mehta, and representatives from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) also participated in this roundtable discussion.
