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

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

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

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

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)

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.

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

Status of Un-employment- Persons with disabilities TotalMaleFemale Yes16%22%8% No84%78%92% Total

Monthly income by gender TotalGender RS M F <1000/=8%7%12% /=45%41%62% /=37%41%25% >60019%11%2% Total employed887018

Vocational training by gender TotalMaleFemale Yes14% 15% No86% 85% Total

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