Resource Library

Economic Review

Health & Health Care

Publisher: People,s Bank

Place of Publish: Sri Lanka, Colombo

Year: 2006

Page Numbers: 57

Series: Volume 32/ Number 6-9/September/December 2006

Acc. No: 155-J

Category: Journals

Languages: English

This article focuses on the importance of Samurdhi in conflict affected areas and provides contrasting views from communities that receive and do not receive Samurdhi. Thalayasingam then gives readers a brief introduction to Samurdhi and its functions which include broadening opportunities for income and enhancement of the disadvantaged groups of society and mobilizing their participation in planning and management of programs for their upliftment. The Samurdhi programme also provides savings and credit facilities to communities that rarely had access to these services. At the core of Samurdhi is a cash transfer programme. Recipients receive monthly transfers and special transfers for marriage and childbirth. Prashan Thalayasingam then brings in the views from the areas that do not receive Samurdhi such as Mannar. Limitations of the Samurdhi programme such as the selection of recipients, poor communication with Samurdhi animators and the non receipt of benefits are highlighted. Thalayasingam concludes by stating that Samurdhi must be extended to other areas that are in dire need of this programme and also that the shortcomings within the Samurdhi programme should be targeted and eliminated.