Sri Lanka to Roll Out US$ 100 Mn ADB-Funded Social Protection Program 📈

• Overview: Government to launch a US$ 100 Mn ADB concessional loan program to strengthen social safety nets, livelihoods, and care services for vulnerable groups affected by climate impacts. • Timeline & Coverage: • Duration: November 2026 to October 2031. • Key Districts: Kegalle, Matale, Mullaitivu, Kilinochchi, Batticaloa, and Nuwara Eliya. • Core Initiatives: • Livelihoods & Micro-Enterprises: 30,000 selected Aswesuma families to receive a LKR 200,000 seed capital grant in 2 installments, along with entrepreneurship training, market access, and financial linkages. • Social Infrastructure: Establishment of 5 elderly day-care centers, new regulations, and training for care workers. • Policy Reforms: Creation of a national Social Protection Plan to reform system vulnerabilities impacting 56% of the national population. • Governance: Approved by Cabinet; managed under the Ministry of Rural Development, Social Security, and Community Empowerment.