"Samurdhi..." Means
“Samurdhi” is the National Programme introduced by the Government in 1994 to alleviate poverty.The objective of this program is to find a solution to poverty. It is not an easy task, but through the Samurdhi Program priority has been given to activities such as development of rural infrastructure facilities, improving health and nutritional conditions among rural community and create opportunities.
The Ministry of Samurdhi, Youth Affairs and Sports was established in 1994 to launch the above Programme.In 2004 , the Ministry’s name was changed to Ministry of Samurdhi & Poverty Alleviation and again it was converted as the division of Samurdhi under the Ministry of Nation Building and Estate Infrastructure Development.
Samurdhi Authority of Sri Lanka has a staff of over 25,000 persons in about 36 job categories. Out of these personnel Samurdhi Development Officers comprise of about 23,000 persons while Samurdhi Managers are about 2000. Apart from about 500 staff of various job categories who are attached to the Head Office of the Authority in Colombo, all other officers are serving in different parts of the country.
Some of the divisions of Samurdhi Authority illustrate the nature of development activities undertaken by it.For example, Rural Development division, Animal Husbandry and Fisheries, Marketing Development, Banking Finance, Social Development, Media division, Legal and Investigation etc. illustrate the type of programmes being launched by Samurdhi Authority.
Its programmes operate at all levels of the administrative system like Grama Niladhari level, zonal level,divisional level and national level. There is a wide network of administrative institutions at different levels implementing Samurdhi programmes.
Contributing to total National Development by utilizing the participatory development methodology to promote the untapped capabilities and the organizational and institutional abilities of low income earners and thereby empower them productively and efficiently in a pro poor and sustainable manner; and redeem them from poverty and also develop the areas where they live.
- Issuance of Samurdhi Cards
- Co-Administration of Samurdhi Stamps
- Co-Administration of Samurdhi Insurance Scheme
- Co-Administration of Samurdhi Lottery
- Co-Administration of Samurdhi Projects
samurdhi programmes
- Village Development Programme
- Livelihood Development Programme
- Spiritual and social development programmes
- Samurdhi Banking Societies Programme
- Microfinancing will be carried out through the Samurdhi Banking Association Programmes
With the full State patronage, the Samurdhii Banking Association Programme branched out
in rural interior villages have facilitated village people to enhance their savings by providing loans.
Functions
Intellectual and Social Development Programme.
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1.1 |
Intellectual Development |
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1.2 |
Income of happiness and love within the family unit. |
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1.3 |
Drug and smoking prevention programme |
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1.4 |
Implementation of social and cultural features. |
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1.5 |
Improvement of social and cultural features. |
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1.6 |
Programmes for celebrating international days. |
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1.6.1 International Women’s Day - 03rd March |
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1.6.2 International Anti- smoking day (Mathata thita) |
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1.6.3 International Literacy - 08th September |
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1.6.4 International children and Elders’ Day - 01st October |
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1.6.5 International Poverty Eiminationl 07 - 17th October |
“Diriya Piyasa” Housing Programmes (low income/ War heroes/ disabled)
Action has been taken since 1966 under Samurdhi Programme to provide houses “Diriya Piyasa’ housing programme to implemented throughout the island with the aim of providing shelter to Samurdhi recipients. In this connection contributions have been made by the Social Development Foundation and Housing Lottery Fund. In view of the Progress made by this programme the programme of supplying houses on Treasury allocation was started in 2006.
Criteria for Providing Houses:
- Should be very desperate samurdhi recipients who do not possess houses.
- Families of which the principal bread winner is dead or has abandoned his family or defunct families.
- Families in which children, particularly girls are under threat or are unsafe.
- Very low income families who are not Samurdhi recipients.
- Families where children look after their aged parents.
War Heroes Housing Programme
- In particular, construction of houses for families of war heroes who died in the 04th Vanni operation.
- For disabled war heroes.
Model Village Programme
Development of one village in each Divisional Secretary’s division in one year has been launched under the model village programme. Aim of this programme is to select a poor village in each division and to provide infrastructure facilities needed by the community and to make it a prosperous village rich in social values under the intellectual development programme.
“Samurdhi Kekulu” Children’s Club Programme
An active children’s club is to be formed in every village. Children of such clubs should be invited twice a month and a programme on social activity should be performed for them. All children living in the village should be categories according to the following groups and form clubs for them. 5-9 years / 10-14 years / 15-18 years. Every year cultural and literary competitions will be held according to the age groups in order to harness their cultural and literal skills.The competitions will be held at zonal, divisional , district and national levels and the winners at the national level will be awarded prizes , certificates and cups.
