Enriched Samurdhi beneficiaries return their cards
by Uditha KUMARASINGHE
Nearly 500 Samurdhi beneficiaries in Thalawa divisional secretariat
division will return their Samurdhi beneficiary cards to the Government
today (October 17) as they reached income generation level due to
various programs implemented by the Samurdhi movement to uplift their
socio-economic conditions.
Handing over of cards will take place at a ceremony organised by the
Sri Lanka Samurdhi Authority (SLSA) at Thalawa to mark the International
Day of Eradication of Poverty which falls on October 17 (today), a SLSA
spokesman told the Sunday Observer yesterday.
The spokesman said Thalawa divisional secretariat division consists
of 39 Grama Niladari divisions. The Samurdhi beneficiaries in Ihala
Halmilllewa Grama Niladari division has set up a perfect example of
returning their Samurdhi beneficiary cards. Of 58 Samurdhi beneficiaries
in this Grama Niladari division, 35 families have decided to return
their cards. The balance 15 Samurdhi families have been identified as
the families which cannot be empowered owning to their age and
disabilities.
When these economically empowered Samurdhi beneficiaries return their
Samurdhi cards, they will be provided the opportunity to obtain credit
facilities from Samurdhi banks. Samurdhi banks will grant them
cultivation loans to engage in their cultivation activities in both Yala
and Maha seasons.
The SLSA has also organised an exhibition to display the products of
Samurdhi entrepreneurs which will be held at Thalawa Pradeshiya Sabha
stadium on October 17 and 18.
In order to mark the International Day of Eradication of Poverty,
arrangements have also been made to provide "Diriya Piyasa" housing
loans to Samurdhi beneficiaries and commence various infrastructure
development projects in Thalawa divisional secretariat division.
According to spokesman the country's poverty which was 28.8 percent
in 1996 has come down to 15.2 percent at present due to various poverty
alleviation programs launched by the Samurdhi movement.
In addition, the total of 1.9 million Samurdhi beneficiary families
in 1996 has also reduced to 1.6 million at present.
|