The government aims to eradicate poverty within the current generation by empowering low-income communities and creating sustainable livelihood opportunities, Minister of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment Upali Pannilage said.

Issuing a message to mark the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, which falls today (17), the Minister said eliminating poverty remains a key priority of the National People’s Power (NPP) government.

He said the government’s approach goes beyond providing financial assistance, focusing instead on strengthening the economic and social capacities of vulnerable communities through self-employment, income-generating opportunities and sustainable livelihoods.

The Minister noted that the government has introduced the ‘Praja Shakthi’ National Programme to eradicate poverty and empower rural communities by identifying their needs and improving living standards.

He said Rs. 25 billion has been allocated for the programme under the 2026 Budget, with plans to implement at least one development project in every Grama Niladhari Division across the country.

Minister Pannilage further emphasised that poverty eradication requires the collective efforts of government institutions, the private sector, civil society organisations and local communities.

He also stressed the importance of addressing the root causes of poverty through long-term solutions while ensuring that no individual or family is left behind in the country’s development process.

The Minister reiterated that the government’s ultimate objective is to build a poverty-free Sri Lanka where social justice is ensured and every citizen has the opportunity to lead a dignified life. (Newswire)

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Cabinet approval has been granted for the execution of the “Praja Shakthi” programme as a consolidated programme to achieve the new government’s policy declaration on the eradication of poverty in Sri Lanka. 

The government states that 01 in every 06 individuals in the total population of Sri Lanka at present experiences multidimensional poverty and 95.3% of that population are living in rural and estate environments. 

According to the government, none of the parties are satisfied with the outcomes of any of the programmes to eradicate poverty executed in Sri Lanka, up until now, where the matter is being probed.

During the past few decades, the number of poverty eradication relief programmes and the number of beneficiaries have escalated, while the amounts spent on them have been hiked. 

By the year 2000, the number of beneficiaries was 1.10 million whereas by the year 2010, the amount had hiked up to 1.57 million and by the year 2024, the amount had further swelled up to 1.79 million, it said. 

The government pointed out that since the continuation of this situation for extended periods, a well-planned programme should be implemented to direct the vulnerable groups/communities to a formal social security programme and utilize the others as active stakeholders in the economic process. 

Accordingly, the Cabinet of Ministers approved the proposal presented by the Minister of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment to implement the “Praja Shakthi” programme as a consolidated programme with a multiple approach.

The programme will be implemented so that the vision of ‘Pohosath Ratak – Surakshitha Jeewithayak’ (A wealthy country – secure life) can be achieved as per the policy declaration of the new government. (Newswire)

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