In the contemporary context civil society organizations in Sri Lanka are encountering challenges, due
to the shrinking civic space, political and policy uncertainties, economic hardships, and evolving
social attitudes among younger generations that have contributed to reduced volunteerism and civic
engagement. These factors have affected the sustainability, outreach, and operational capacity of
civil society actors.
CED, as an advocacy-oriented organization, has also been affected by funding constraints and a
limited number of externally funded projects, which have restricted the scale and continuity of its
interventions. The organization’s effectiveness is closely tied to the strength of its member network,
which has been under pressure due to economic crises and reduced support from key donors.
In response to these challenges, CED developed a comprehensive five -year Strategic Plan. This plan
provides a clear framework to define its long-term vision, set strategic priorities, enhance
organizational and network capacities, diversify resource mobilization strategies, and strengthen
resilience. This plan was developed throughout a comprehensive three-day residential consultation
workshop that was held in February 2026. The board members, CED staff and member organization
representatives actively participated in this process. CED would like to thank all of them for their
insights and contributions.
This Strategic Plan will enable CED to continue its advocacy and coordination roles in the education
sector while supporting the sustainability and effectiveness of its member organizations.
