An Investigation of the Progress of Poverty Alleviation Programs in Sri Lanka-ශ්‍රී ලංකාවේ දරිද්‍රතාවය පිටුදැකීමේ වැඩසටහන්වල ප්‍රගතිය පිළිබඳ විමර්ශනයක

Although Sri Lanka has operated as a sovereign state for nearly seven decades, the country has not yet properly entered a consistent path of economic growth. As a result, the Sri Lankan economy has faced various challenges, among which poverty remains a major issue. In an effort to address this issue, policymakers have implemented various strategies. One such program is the Samurdhi Program, which aims to empower poor communities through economic growth, human capital development, and participatory development.Programs implemented under Samurdhi have targeted both the consumption and production aspects of low-income groups. Although other programs like food stamp schemes and Janasaviya were also launched to eradicate poverty, they failed to deliver the expected outcomes, which led to the initiation of the Samurdhi Program.This study focuses on examining how far the Livelihood Development Program under Samurdhi has contributed to poverty alleviation, what obstacles exist in achieving its core objectives, and whether the benefits truly reach the intended poor households. To meet these objectives, primary data were collected through interviews and questionnaires from state officials involved in the Samurdhi Program, randomly selected beneficiaries, and bank recipients. Secondary data were obtained from departmental records. Using statistical analysis, the study evaluates the extent to which the core objectives of the program have been achieved.
A significant correlation was found between participation in livelihood development programs and the income level of beneficiaries, as well as their willingness to engage with these programs. However, no clear correlation was identified between program participation and employment status or savings levels of the beneficiaries.
Although the Samurdhi Program has been in operation for about two decades, statistical reports confirm that it has not led to a substantial reduction in poverty. Thus, poverty remains a major social issue in Sri Lanka.