Impact of evaluation results availability on evaluation results utilization in enhancing development effectiveness of Sri Lanka's Public Sector

An essential outcome of evaluations is the effective utilization of evaluation results. However, ensuring optimal and effective utilization has become as one of the biggest challenges in project management. This study aimed to explore the impact of Availability of Evaluation Results (AER) for their utilization in different phases of development initiatives in public sector in Sri Lanka. The study employed a mixed method. Quantitative data collected from 231 survey respondents, while qualitative data collected from key informants selected from government and private sector stakeholders. As per the regression results, a strong positive relationship shown among availability of evaluation results and their utilization across four dimensions; conceptual use (r = 0.594, p < 0.05); instrumental use (r= 0.608, p < 0.05); process use (r= 0.606, p < 0.05); and symbolic use (r =0.594, p < 0.05). Conceptual use is more effective for creating awareness and raising funds while process use is used to apply lessons learnt and skills gained, instrumental use is used for project scaling and restructuring, and symbolic use is to legitimize framed project strategies. Further, strong relationship exists with availability of evaluation results, and their utilization (r = 0.688, p < 0.05). The strong impact of the AER indicates that organizations should focus on ensuring that evaluation results are easily accessible to improve effectiveness of evaluation processes. The findings highlight the significance of incorporating evaluation results in decision-making for improving project outcomes, optimizing resource allocation which is for improving development effectiveness and fostering sustainable development in Sri Lanka.