News
World Bank urges South Asia to overhaul social protection systems amidst growing vulnerability
South Asian countries need to re-examine social protection systems to more adequately equip the poor and vulnerable, manage risks and cope with shocks, the World Bank has said in a recent report.
The World Bank report, titled Rethinking social protection in South Asia: Toward progressive universalism, says: “Though countries in South Asia have witnessed substantial reductions in poverty in recent decades, a large share of households remains poor. Multiple recent shocks such as the COVID-19 pandemic, economic crises and climate-related disasters are estimated to have pushed millions more into poverty, hitting hard those who are already the most vulnerable – women, youth and children. These impacts have been further amplified by megatrends, including for example demographic shifts and technological disruptions, which if adequately managed, can translate into significant opportunities for countries in the region.”
The report argues that while the region has made significant progress in the delivery of social protection over the past decades, it still has a long way to go. Many countries still lack a comprehensive social protection strategy. The region has one of the lowest social assistance expenditures relative to GDP in the world, with programmes covering a relatively small share of the region’s poor and providing inadequate assistance levels. Too much public resources are spent on poorly targeted social benefits like energy subsidies as well as public sector pensions, both of which cover a small and better-off segment of the population.
Social protection systems also lack robustness and are ill-equipped to deliver adaptive social protection in the aftermath of shocks. And the region spends a negligible share of its budget on labour market programmes and services to help improve worker employability and connect workers to productive employment.
This, in a context where the region has fallen short of creating enough jobs for its rapidly increasing working-age population. Between 2000 and 2020, around 386 million South Asians entered the working-age population, whereas only 81 million jobs were added to the economies. Many workers, especially women and youth, remain locked in informal and low-productivity jobs that do not allow them to escape vulnerability and improve economic mobility.
The report calls for South Asian governments to engage in progressive universalism while considering the adoption of universal social protection as an ultimate strategic objective.
Progressive universalism is a phased approach that starts with the poor and continues with the economically vulnerable, and pays particular attention to the needs of children, youth and women. This will help the region focus on cost-effective, high impact approaches, while ultimately moving towards universal social protection, or adaptive systems that ensure access to social protection for all, whenever and however they need it. A large majority of people in South Asia are working in the informal sector. Therefore, progressive universalism of social protection in South Asia is intrinsically linked to the specific needs of informal workers.
Latest News
Sun directly overhead Pandatharippu, Thellippalai, Varuthaleivilan, Vasavilan, and Manatkaadu about 12:10 noon today (15)
On the apparent northward relative motion of the sun, it is going to be directly over the latitudes of Sri Lanka from the 05th to 15th of April in this year.
The nearest areas of Sri Lanka over which the sun is overhead today (15th) are Pandatharippu, Thellippalai, Varuthaleivilan, Vasavilan, and Manatkaadu about 12:10 noon.
Latest News
Heat Index at ‘Caution Level’ in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Eastern and Southern provinces and in Monaragala district
Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre
Issued at 3.30 p.m. on 14 April 2026, valid for 15 April 2026.
The Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Eastern and Southern
provinces and in Monaragala district.
The Heat Index Forecast is calculated by using relative humidity and maximum temperature and this is the condition that is felt on your body. This is not the forecast of maximum temperature. It is generated by the Department of Meteorology for the next day period and prepared by using global numerical weather prediction model data.
Effect of the heat index on human body is mentioned in the above table and it is prepared on
the advice of the Ministry of Health and Indigenous Medical Services.
ACTION REQUIRED
Job sites: Stay hydrated and takes breaks in the shade as often as possible.
Indoors: Check up on the elderly and the sick.
Vehicles: Never leave children unattended.
Outdoors: Limit strenuous outdoor activities, find shade and stay hydrated.
Dress: Wear lightweight and white or light-colored clothing.
Note:
In addition, please refer to advisories issued by the Disaster Preparedness & Response Division, Ministry of Health in this regard as well. For further clarifications please contact 011-7446491.
Latest News
“I extend my heartfelt wishes to all Sri Lankans for a peaceful and joyous Sinhala and Tamil New Year!” – President
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, issuing a New Year message, extend his heartfelt wishes to all Sri Lankans for a peaceful and joyous Sinhala and Tamil New Year!
The Sinhala and Tamil New Year, which symbolises the aspiration for renewal both physically and spiritually, is the foremost cultural festival of the people of this country.
During the Sinhala and Tamil New Year, traditional customs are upheld, with priority accorded to rituals and religious observances, and activities undertaken collectively at a common auspicious time. This shared cultural practice vividly reflects our nation’s identity before the world, as well as the strong socio-cultural bonds that exist among our communities.
We firmly believe that the future path of national development can only be shaped in harmony with this invaluable culture and our distinguished historical heritage. Accordingly, it must be recalled that all our future development plans have been formulated upon the firm foundation of these precious traditions and cultural values.
Moreover, the common aspiration embodied in the customs and rituals associated with the solar transition is the nurturing of a compassionate individual who values togetherness, respects others, and lives in harmony with nature. I believe that the virtues and values of unity reflected in these New Year traditions should not be confined to these few days alone, but should instead be demonstrated throughout the year in our daily conduct.
In the face of the most significant recent natural disaster challenge encountered in the past year, we demonstrated to the world our resilience and capacity to withstand internal shocks. At the same time, in responding to the external challenges arising from the conflict in the Middle East, the Government has already set in motion a well-planned and effectively managed programme to overcome these difficulties.
As a nation, in overcoming these challenges together, I call upon all of you to further dedicate yourselves to enriching your lives through the values of togetherness, sharing, and solidarity exemplified during the Sinhala and Tamil New Year season.
As we strengthen the achievements we have secured and move forward with unwavering resolve in the face of emerging challenges, I invite everyone to join hands in unity to realise the vision of “A Thriving Nation – A Beautiful Life” for all.
I extend my heartfelt wishes to all Sri Lankans for a peaceful and joyous Sinhala and Tamil New Year!
Chennai Super Kings win two in a row for the first time since April 2024
250 missing after migrant boat sinks in Indian Ocean
Trump hints Iran talks could resume this week as US port blockade continues
Sun directly overhead Pandatharippu, Thellippalai, Varuthaleivilan, Vasavilan, and Manatkaadu about 12:10 noon today (15)
Showers will occur at several places in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, Southern, and North-western provinces, and in Anuradhapura district after 1.00 pm.
Heat Index at ‘Caution Level’ in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Eastern and Southern provinces and in Monaragala district
‘Dates have the highest sugar content to fight Coronavirus’
Sunday Island 27 December – Headlines
#SundayIsland 17th December – Headlines
Sunday Island – 28th March
Sunday Island Headlines – 21 March
Sunday Island – 21st February – Headlines
-
News3 days agoCEB orders temporary shutdown of large rooftop solar systems
-
News6 days agoAG: Coal procurement full of irregularities
-
Business5 days agoIsraeli attack on Lebanon triggers local stock market volatility
-
Features3 days agoFrom Royal College Platoon to National Cadet Corps: 145 years of discipline, leadership, and modern challenges
-
Business6 days agoHayleys Mobility introduces Premium OMODA C9 PHEV
-
Business5 days agoHNB Assurance marks 25 years with strategic transformation to ‘HNB Life’
-
Sports6 days agoDS to face St. Anthony’s in ‘Bridges of Brotherhood’ cricket encounter
-
Latest News2 days agoPNS TAIMUR & ASLAT arrive in Colombo