Social Protection in Sri Lanka

1. Social Protection in Sri Lanka Coping with Risk: Social Safety Nets By Viji Jegarasasingam Secretary Ministry of Social Services & Social Welfare

2. Objectives • Identify critical constraints in the area of social safety nets. • Suggest policies that the government should pursue to overcome these constraints. • Discuss the role of the development partners(including the World Bank) in addressing these constraints

3. Critical Constraints--Social safety nets • Non availability of data on the disadvantaged groups. • No clear cut allocation of function among institutions assigned with task. • Delay in the implementation of corrective measures suggested • Target group left out will become more vulnerable & end up on streets for living, producing more future prisoners

4. Suggested Policies • Revisit the present social safety nets with proper data on the target group • A separate Authority should deal with implementation as focal point • Implementation of special programmes for destitute people such street people,families of prisoners and the like • Integrated national development programmes for • Assisting indigent elders & families with disabled persons

5. Suggested Policies • Strengthen existing voluntary schemes in implementation for the provision of pensions for the self employed & other target groups • Introduction of unemployment insurance scheme for a very limited period for an individual until that individual get access to some resources for embarking on employment/trade. • More investment on human capital to socially integrate all those left behind due to unfriendly environment (our workforce is getting reduced)

6. Comments on Chapter V • Briefing on the existing status on social safety nets is well done. • Suggestions on the targeting & work incentives is also well thought. • Observations on poor disabled justified by our research as well • Weakness in the relief programs during both disasters well said. • Self employment for the disadvantaged could be reiterated as a long term relief measure.

7. Role of Development Partners • Funding the disadvantaged to be socially integrated by way of sustainable income generating activities • Funding on skill development training for the school drop outs, persons with disabilities, young olds, street people, families of prisoners & families of victims • Funding for special awareness programmes through media to the target groups to educate them on the Life long preparation for old age

8. Status of Un-employment-Persons with disabilities

9. Monthly income by gender

10. Vocational training by gender

11. Thank You