Poverty has become one of the worst epidemics in today’s world. Sri Lanka can be pointed out as one of the strongest examples which can bring a county to the brink of destruction both internally and externally by poverty.  So this can be simply defined as a lack of money and access to the infrastructure. In Sri Lanka, the rural and plantation people are suffering from severe poverty and more than 90% of those people cannot ensure a way to reduce poverty. However, poverty in urban slums, beach houses and riverside houses are also similar to those in rural areas.

According to the World Bank vice president for South Asia, Martin Riser, “Poverty in Sri Lanka is estimated to increase from 13% to 25% in 2022.” But in the face of the ongoing economic crisis in the country, more than 40% have slipped into official deprivation. Poverty is a macroeconomic concept and also it is a concept that should be given comprehensive attention economically, socially, culturally and politically. It is one of the most complex and multi-dimensional issues in the world as well. Currently, the only way which is used to reduce poverty in Sri Lanka is by giving finances support to affected people.  But it is not a permanent solution that can be used to reduce poverty.

Commonly governmental and non-governmental actors use various strategies and approaches to reduce poverty in the country such as,

• Education and Skill Development
• Economic Growth and Job Cultivation
• Empowering Women and Gender Equality
• Providing access to Basic Services ect.

Actually clean water, health care, fresh foods, sanitations and electricity are crucial for poverty reduction. The government has the responsibility to develop the infrastructure both in urban and rural areas in the country.

And also developing education and skills for the young generation is compulsory in both rural and urban areas even though it is not considered as essential. Every child has a right to access quality education and it will help to enhance employability and income-earning potential in the country. Sri Lanka has been facing various economic challenges since 2020 and due to the impact of Covid 19 pandemic unemployment is also increased significantly. This has been a considerable challenge for the country, particularly among the youth population. The official unemployment rate in Sri Lanka has fluctuated over the years but has generally remained around 4% – 5%. Sri Lankan Government and other organizations are taking various efforts to cultivate jobs through the skill development programs, vocational training and entrepreneurship support but some people are still not aware of them. However, it is essential to consider unemployment in the country to reduce poverty in Sri Lanka.

Moreover, promoting sustainable economic growth is crucial in a country. The economic problems in Sri Lanka have also primarily caused the growth of poverty in Sri Lanka. Jobs that can provide per capita income are needed to be free as well as the money received from these jobs leads to the elimination of poverty in the country.

The country has made significant progress in promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment in various areas including education, employment and political representation as well. This is a very important matter in Sri Lanka which should pay additional attention. The country has introduced a 25% quota for women in local government elections and violence against women is also prohibited by the Sri Lankan Legal functions. But still, Sri Lankan women are fundamentally suffering from gender inequality and sexual abuse which affects mostly to the poverty reduction of the country. So it is crucial to empower women and their safety in both practical as well as written agendas.

Poverty reduction is critical goal for governments, organizations and worldwide societies. It can also reduce by implementing comprehensive strategies and initiatives to address the root causes of poverty. To reduce poverty successfully, it is essential to implement policies which can address the root causes such as economical growth, employment and social safety nets etc. By continuous efforts, long term commitments and comprehensive approaches which can be addressed those root causes of poverty will change the world equitabily.