Poverty Reduction in Sri Lanka: Targeting Evidence of Mistargeting in Samurdihi Programme

Abstract

The SamurdhiPrograme has been implementing as a major poverty alleviation programme of the government of Sri Lanka since 1995. This paper examines why targeting errors occur in safety-net and livelihood development components of the Samurdhi program in Sri Lanka and the subsequent effects on the poor as well as on the program. Forty focus groups with all stakeholders in eight districts, four key informant interviews and documentary analysis were utilised to achieve the objectives. Peoples‟ dependency mentality, out-dated cut-off income level and politicisation of the society were identified as major reasons for mistargeting. Major outcomes of the mistargeting include disruptions to social harmony and declining effectiveness of the program. Implications for public policy development are also discussed