Social Protection in Sri Lanka

Coping with Risk: Social Safety NetsCoping with Risk: Social Safety Nets

By By

Viji JegarasasingamViji Jegarasasingam

SecretarySecretary

Ministry of Social Services Ministry of Social Services

& Social Welfare& Social Welfare

ObjectivesObjectives

• 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

Critical Constraints--Social Critical Constraints--Social safetysafety nets 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

Suggested PoliciesSuggested 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

Suggested PoliciesSuggested 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)

Comments on Chapter VComments 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.

Role of Development PartnersRole 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

Status of Un-employment-Status of Un-employment-Persons with disabilitiesPersons with disabilities

Total Male Female

Yes 16% 22% 8%

No 84% 78% 92%

Total 88 311 230

Monthly income by genderMonthly income by gender

Total Gender Gender

RS M F

<1000/= 8% 7% 12%

1000-3000/= 45% 41% 62%

3001-6000/= 37% 41% 25%

>6001 9% 11% 2%

Total employed 88 70 18

Vocational training by Vocational training by gendergender

Total Male Female

Yes 14% 14% 15%

No 86% 86% 85%

Total 541 311 230

Thank You