“Praja Shakthi” programme to be implemented to eradicate poverty

The Cabinet of Ministers granted approval to the resolution forwarded 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 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.

It has been observed that one of every 06 individuals of Sri Lanka’s population  experience multi – dimensional poverty at present, and 95.3% of that population are living in rural and estate related environs.

It is apparent that none of the parties are satisfied with final outcome of any of the programmes to eradicate poverty implemented in Sri Lanka up to now.

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

In the year 2000, the number of beneficiaries were 1.10 million whereas by the year 2010 the number has increased to 1.57 million, and  by the year 2024 the number has further swelled up to 1.79 million.