The Development Assistance Database (DAD) system was first introduced in Sri Lanka in 2005 to ensure the effective utilization of aid received from the international community for the Tsunami recovery programme. Later, the System was configured as the electronic Development Information Management System (e-DIMS) to examine the Non Official Development Aid (ODA) to get information on development programmes executed by INGOs, NGOs and other donors. Now, Sri Lanka is expanding the e-DIMS (DAD) for harmonization of development aid information systems of the government to capture ODA and Non ODA aid flows, Evaluation Information Systems, Managing for Development Results (MfDR), as well as all other related development project monitoring aspects of the Government.
The First Global Conference of the DAD Community of Practice was a great place to share Sri Lanka’s experience and learn about the experiences of other countries. It provided a forum for the international exchange of best practices and knowledge sharing among practitioners, which strengthened the capacities of all participants.
The Ministry of Plan Implementation of Sri Lanka is the National Focal Point for monitoring and evaluation of all Government Development projects, programmes and policies to ensure results and achievement of development objectives. Therefore, the experiences gathered at the DAD CoP conference will be used in to strengthen our system with the goal of making it more comprehensive and effective.
Synergy’s robust culture and highly committed employee base, as well as the extensive contribution of all participants, contributed immensely to the success of the Conference. The Conference sessions, logistical arrangements, and cultural activities were well organized. However, the participants varied widely in their level of experience and technical knowledge. As such, many would have benefitted from a DAD Terminology glossary and smaller training sessions tailored for different experience levels.
Finally, we would like to express our gratitude to Mrs. Dhara Wijayatilake (Secretary, Ministry of Plan Implementation) Mr. V. Sivagnanasothy (Director General, Department of Foreign Aid and Budget Monitoring) Dr. Fredrick Abeyratne (Senior Project Analyst, United Nations Development Programme) and Mr. Ashot Hovanesian (Chief Executive Officer, Synergy International Systems) for giving us the opportunity to be a part of this great event.
