Unveiling the Impact of Project Governance on Performance of Public Sector Development Projects in Sri Lanka

Abstract

The governance of public sector development projects has become an increasingly complex theme in the diverse nature of managing stakeholders, structuring project formation and development, planning, monitoring, and surveillance, and their expectations. Thus, stakeholders’ interests should be addressed by the governments. The main objective of this research is to investigate project governance and its basics, for the application in the Sri Lankan public sector development projects to increase project performance in terms of public sector growth and sustainability. Funding agencies, policymakers, government regulators, and other associated partners attempt to support smooth project execution and accomplish the desired project outputs and outcomes by emphasizing the importance of project governance.The study conducts a literature review on project governance to bridge a knowledgegap in investigating the function of project governance and the efficiency of the Sri Lankan public sector development projects. It employs a qualitative research approach and reviews the related literature including scholarly journal articles. The findings indicate that project governance must be practiced achieving project objectives related to optimal economic and social benefits for the country's accelerative development plan and from the standpoint of the government, project governance and performance serve as cornerstones of a development plan. Finally, this study comprehensively examines the roles and practical implementation of project governance within Sri Lankan projects, providing invaluable insights and recommendations for enhancing project performance, fostering growth, and ensuring sustainability within the public sector.

Keywords: Development Projects, Performance, Project Governance, Public Sector, Sri Lanka