Abstract:
The study explored and explained the challenges of introducing and implementing the
New Public Governance (NPG) policies and practices on organizational performance
in Sri Lanka (SL). The central research question was, "what are the challenges of
introducing and implementing the NPG policies and practices in SL?” Answers to
critical questions investigated were sought through qualitative and quantitative
research. Using the combination of official documents and interviews with senior
political elites, public officials, and academics, this thesis analyzed the 2004
Government NPG package, and the study period was confined between 2004-2020.
The study was explicitly guided by the Van Meter and Van Horn model of policy
implementation. The study derived its independent and dependent variables based on
the model. The study confirmed that the lack of a constitutional or administrative
mechanism to coordinate between the Centre and the Provincial Councils (PCs) and
between PCs was a significant bottleneck in implementing NPG reforms. The study
confirmed the nonexistence of multiple accountabilities as barriers in implementing
NPG reforms. There was no political, administrative, or financial accountability in
implementing these NPG practices. The next challenge identified was the absence of
stakeholders’ participation. Lack of participation of the private sector, bureaucratic,
professional associations, and citizen support were the central issues for not fully
implementing the NPG reforms. The study further explored the existence of various
norms, attitudes, practices, and perceptions embedded in the Sri Lankan culture, the
influence of politics, and insufficient information about the NPG reforms as
significant challenges. The study confirmed that; SL lags far behind on many issues,
such as governance effectiveness, voice, accountability, political stability, absence of
violence, regulatory quality, and the rule of law and control of corruption. Therefore,
based on these findings, this study concluded that reform implementation might lead
to an unproductive project absent situation of necessary support and compliance of
implementers. Therefore, there should be a capable institutional structure with flexible
and protective legal provisions, sufficient resources, and compatible stakeholders’
participation for successful NPG reforms implementation.
