Hon. (Dr.) Upali Pannilage

¶ 01 We are implementing an empowerment programme. First, through livelihood promotion, we aim to empower low-income communities in our country. We are implementing a programme, with assistance from the Asian Development Bank and the World Bank, to guide these families into self-employment. Under Treasury allocations too, we support self-employment. Through our Samurdhi Development Officers, we identify the families, prepare a business plan for them, and provide a grant of Rs. 150,000 to implement it. Additionally, as required, we operate a credit facilitation programme through the Samurdhi Development Bank.

¶ 02 Second, to develop the human capital of low-income families, we have launched the “Next Sri Lanka” programme.

¶ 03 Under this programme, we have already commenced action to provide vocational training to 50,000 persons, partnering with institutions in both the public and private sectors. We give vocational training to youth from low-income families and enable them to become diploma holders and certificate holders as part of empowerment. Beyond livelihood promotion, our five-pronged programme includes, through integration, increasing financial literacy, encouraging savings and investments, and similar components.

¶ 04 Third, we are implementing a programme for psychosocial empowerment of these families and individuals: providing psychological counselling, raising awareness on mental well-being and mental health, and offering necessary guidance.

¶ 05 The fourth component of this five-pronged programme is social protection. Hon. Speaker, low-income families in our country need social security. Many of them often work in the informal sector — as masons, day labourers, carpenters, etc. We have introduced, under our Ministry and under the Social Security Board, a Social Security Fund for all of them. We are currently working to enroll these individuals and family members in a contributory pension scheme.

¶ 06 Fifth, they need knowledge and skills. Through approximately 20,000 field officers in our Department, we continuously guide the people, carry out social mobilization, and have oriented the Samurdhi Development Department to empower them, Hon. Speaker.