Poverty Issues in Southern Sri Lanka

This brief seeks to improve the understanding of poverty in the South by providing an overview of poverty indices and related aspects, impact chains, socio-economic indicators, key issues and trends and development interventions. The brief will look at the Southern Province as a whole, but will place particular emphasis on the districts of Monaragala and Hambantota. The points of discussion in this brief encompass the characteristics of poverty in the region, reasons and causes of poverty, vulnerable groups and factors contributing to the persistence and/or reduction of poverty. It will also briefly analyse trends and challenges faced due to poverty, gaps in service provision and infrastructure. An analysis of relevant policies will be discussed in the latter part of the paper followed by recommendations and possible areas for advocacy.