Abstract:
After more than several decade of development effort poverty still
remains as a major problem in Sri Lanka within the war induced area. In order to
alleviate poverty is a specific program to which increasing attention is now being
directed by all development countries. The present paper attempts to analyze the impact
of Samurthi program within the ethnic violated areas of Sammmanthurai. These
research areas are mostly affected by the ethnic riots in 1989. Due to the ethnic riots, the
communities' socio economic up liftment was destroyed and they were displaced from
their place of origin relocated to other areas of Sammanthurai. After that the returnees
were assisted by Government of Sri Lanka to restart their life with small grant. But at
now the effected communities are mostly getting benefits by Samuthi rather than the
non effected communities.
This research analyzed with special focus on poor rural effected communities
comparatively. The main objective of the research is to identifying the impact of
Samurthi program for reducing vulnerability and poverty in ethnic violated areas. This
research is conducted through primary, secondary sources which are questionnaire
survey, key informant interview and discussions with the relevant Samurthi
beneficiaries. Primary data collected from structured interview with key informants, 07
people were interviewed. And 76 questionnaires were given to 11 Giram Nilathari
Divisions and collected data from Beneficiaries. In addition to that interpretive,
qualitative methods have been adopted in this research.
The finding of the research revealed that the program is an important role for
reduction of rural poverty among this area 23.68% people benefited by Samurthi and
the other 76.32% of people were not benefited. Most of beneficiaries were widow,
widower, divorced and vulnerable people. Further non educated communities are
unsatisfactory with regard to Samurthi. There are 44.73 % of beneficiaries say as
satisfactory. 14.47 % beneficiaries say well and the others are unsatisfactory. The loan
system of Samurthi Bank is much appreciated. The total numbers of community had
taken loan from Samurthi Bank. 48 women are maintaining their account on their own.
Further, just 14 beneficiaries are gaining income between 2000- 4000 rupees and the
other are below. The total number of community have voluntary saving system in the
empowerment rate is high among them; it is as calculated 79%. In my conclusion, 1
proved, Samurthi program is an important role for poverty reduction among absolute
poverty line community in this area, but still the communities are under difficulties due
to the past ethnic conflict.
