One in six people in Sri Lanka currently live in multidimensional poverty, with 95.3% of the population living in rural and estate-based areas.
The comments published in this regard indicate that no party is satisfied with the final results of the poverty eradication programs implemented in Sri Lanka so far.
Over the past few decades, the number of beneficiaries provided relief through poverty alleviation welfare programs and the amount of money spent on them have gradually increased. By the year 2000, the number of beneficiaries was 1.10 million, and by the year 2010, that number had increased to 1.57 million. By the year 2024, that number has further increased to 1.79 million.
Since the continuation of this situation will adversely affect the economic and production process of the country, a systematically planned program should be implemented by directing only the vulnerable groups to a formal social security program and involving the rest as active participants in the economic process.
Accordingly, the Cabinet approved the proposal submitted by the Minister of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment to implement the “Praja Shakthi” program as an integrated program with a multifaceted approach to achieve the vision of ‘A Prosperous Country – A Secure Life’ in line with the new government’s policy statement.
