Over time, Sri Lanka will need to confront legacy challenges such as the structure of non-contributory pensions, strengthen coordination across agencies, and improve the use of data and digital systems. Most importantly, programmes will need to be evaluated systematically to ensure that they reach the right groups and deliver the outcomes the country expects. Without that discipline, even large allocations will struggle to translate into meaningful progress. 
Over time, Sri Lanka will need to confront legacy challenges such as the structure of non-contributory pensions, strengthen coordination across agencies, and improve the use of data and digital systems. Most importantly, programmes will need to be evaluated systematically to ensure that they reach the right groups and deliver the outcomes the country expects. Without that discipline, even large allocations will struggle to translate into meaningful progress. 
This article was carried in the Daily Mirror on 17 October 2024 on International Eradication of Poverty Day Poverty in Sri Lanka has increased significantly with the onset of COVID-19 and the macroeconomic crisis. LIRNEasia’s national survey in 2023 highlighted that 4 million people fell into poverty between 2019 and 2023, causing 7 million individuals — or 31% of the population — to live in poverty at the time. Recent floods in the country have (re)exposed the vulnerabilities of various populations to adverse weather conditions. Robust, effective, and adaptive social protection systems are critical for shielding citizens from crises. Despite of, or perhaps, due to, the crises, Sri Lanka has made notable progress in enhancing social protection in recent years.