"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