Abstract:
Poverty is a significant and persistent issue with far reaching consequences.
Accordingly, poverty reduction is a crucial achievement and understanding the
factors contributing to this success is essential. The Samurdhi program introduced in
1995 is often cited as a significant factor in poverty reduction effort in Sri Lanka, yet
the desired goals have not been fully realized. Over the past 28 years significant
government expenditure totaling approximately 600 billion rupees has been allocated
to the program. Despite the substantial investment and the program’s primary
objective of poverty eradication, the Samurdhi program has been unable to effectively
address the countries poverty problem. This is evident from the continuous
expenditure and the persisting number of beneficiaries over the years. In 2022, the
government allocated 65 billion rupees for the program benefiting1.7 million
individuals. The inability of the Samurdhi program to achieve its intended goal raises
important questions regarding its effectiveness and impact on poverty reduction effort
in Sri Lanka. Main objective of this study is to study the causes of less effectiveness
of Samurdhi as a poverty alleviation strategy in Sri Lanka. Specific objectives are to
identify specific characteristics of beneficiary households who success and failed in
move out of poverty, to explore the nature of determinants of Samurdhi program
which helped beneficiaries to move out of poverty and to explore the nature of
determinants of Samurdhi program which caused beneficiaries not to move out of
poverty. The qualitative exploratory approach was used as research design.
Population of the study consist of all families residing in the Mailewa Gramma
Niladhari Division totaling 210 families. The sample for this study was used 20
families purposively selected. This sample was comprised 10 families who are lost
Samurdhi benefits within a short period of time (approximately 5 years) and 10
families who are still receiving Samurdhi benefits for more than 5 years. Primary data
collected from semi-structured in depth interviews. Qualitative data analysis using a
descriptive method was selected as data analysis technique. Descriptive narratives
and quotes were used for data presenting. Additionally, graphs and tables have been
used to present relevant secondary data and provide a visual representation of key
information. The study found that the effectiveness of the Samurdhi program was not
at a satisfactory level. This study found several reasons (targeting issues, lack of
sustainable livelihood, limited impact on poverty reduction, weak monitoring and
evaluation, corruption and politicization insufficient support services and lack of
coordination with other programs) for the failure of the Samurdhi program to
effectively address poverty. These findings will lead to improving the effectiveness
of the Samurdhi program.
