MPACT OF THE EFFECTIVENESS OF SAMURDHI PROGRAM ON MITIGATING POVERTY IN SRI LANKA: FOCUSING ON SDGs 2030 AGENDA

Abstract

1. Introduction The Samurdhi program is at the forefront of Sri Lanka's efforts to eradicate poverty by 2030, endeavoring to transform aspirations into reality. Under the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2030 agenda, this research delves deeply into the program's impact on poverty alleviation, addressing a significant gap in the literature by employing a mixed approach. 2. Research Methodology Through seven semi-structured interviews with Samurdhi managerial-level officers and a descriptive analysis of secondary data, the researcher employed a mixed-methods approach to elucidate the Samurdhi program's long-term and short-term impacts on poverty reduction and the feasibility of achieving the SDG 2030 agenda. Under the mixed method, thematic and trend analyses facilitate the examination of research objectives. 3. Findings and Discussion Governance, resource allocation, and social dynamics lead to less feasibility of achieving the ending poverty goal of SDGs by 2030, emphasizing the need for effective interventions. Respondents are calling for improved monitoring systems and more robust policy frameworks, suggesting that the long-term outcomes are encouraging because they impact poverty alleviation. Conversely, short-term results indicate an indirect impact on poverty, and the focus should be on operational constraints and political factors to improve effectiveness. 4. Conclusion and Implications According to the research, microfinance, skill development, livelihood development, and robust monitoring mechanisms are all crucial for the Samurdhi program's effectiveness. It draws attention to the necessity of legislative actions to combat political meddling, improve transparency, and distribute resources fairly. To accomplish lasting poverty reduction and connect with the SDGs 2030 goal, expanding women-focused microfinance is crucial, as creating digital tracking platforms, and promoting cooperation between NGOs and the government