About the LoGoMIS

Ministry of Provincial Councils and Local Government Affairs (MPCLGA) handles large number of data collected from Provincial Councils, Local Authorities and other stakeholders as part of the functions performed by the MPCLGA. At present, the data and information gathered are mostly used for decision making as and when the necessity arises. The planning unit of MPCLGA envisages to make use of the available data and information for effective policy making by strengthening the technical and physical capacities for creating evidences within the unit.

Planning unit has been developing reports using available data for various decision-making purposes of the MPCLGA. Using the data and information gathered few years ago, planning unit manually produced details reports using the data gathered from PCs and LAs. As a sample, some of the key analysis related to own revenue generated by the provincial councils and local authorities in the country produced for internal circulation are shared below. These analyses gave greater insight on own revenue situation at the PCs and LAs and helped in identifying areas for interventions by MPCLGA for necessary policy reforms.

Objectives of Data Analytics and Visualization Unit

The planning division of MPCLGA will setup and operate the ‘Data Analytics and Visualization Unit’ with following objectives;

To institutionalize evidence making practices within the MPCLGA for policy formulation and reform

To strengthen the current practices of data management aligning international standards and best practices

To support the provincial councils for informed decisions to strengthen the capacities of the Local Authorities by sharing useful evidences

To facilitate effective implementation of Performance Transfers in LAs by sharing of analysis

Functions of Data Analytics and Visualization Unit

MPCLGA envisages that the proposed ‘data analytics and visualization unit’ will have following functional elements to facilitate the policy making process for strengthening provincial councils and local authorities in Sri Lanka;

Data gathering and analyzing in relation to performances of Provincial Councils and Local Authorities

Design and develop questionnaires for data gathering

Publish periodic publications and reports for internal use and sharing with PCs

Data analysis of scores of LAs in assessment using PERFECT

Gathering and analyzing the data on performance transfers to assess the impact

Establishing partnerships with local Universities and think-tank institutions such as Institute of Policy Studies for engaging in specific researches to support policy formulation

Technical and Financial Assistance Expected

In relation to setting up the proposed ‘data analytics and visualization unit’ , MPCLGA looking forward to extend this request to the Capacity Development of Local Governments (CDLG) Program of United Nations Development Program (UNDP) for specifically assist in following ways;

Technical support for operationalizing the Data Analytics and Visualization Unit : This is mainly focusing on building capacities and develop systems and procedures in the proposed Unit in order to achieve the desired objectives. Following are some of the key areas need to supported ;

Building capacities in data management including analysis and visualization

Assess the current data eco system of MPCLGA and recommend options for streamlining· Develop web-based reporting dashboards for sharing analysis results with key staff of MPCLGA