Understanding the interactions of Sustainable Development Goals in Sri Lanka

This brief summarizes key findings from a government-led, systemic review for Sri Lanka on the 2030 Agenda. The review analysed interactions of key targets to support better policymaking and more coherent implementation of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). • Pursuing progress on the 36 targets included in the analysis is a highly synergistic undertaking. There are far more synergies than trade-offs. Progressing on one target generally promotes progress on other targets, too. • The largest potential to accelerate achievement of the full set of analysed targets stems from three targets: strengthening policy coherence, reducing corruption, and enhancing climate change capacity. • The synergy is lowest for two targets: improving access to drinking water, and expanding decent housing. Trade-offs can be mitigated through mindful implementation; addressing these trade-offs will likely be of great value. • Progress will likely require collaborative arrangements beyond siloed or sector-based approaches.