Transparency International Sri Lanka (TISL) had its third Consultative Council Meeting on ‘Poverty Alleviation and Integrity’ on 27th February 2008 at Regency Room, Hotel Taj Samudra, Colombo, from 4.00 pm to 6.00 pm. Mr. Rukshana Nanayakkara, Deputy Executive Director of TISL chaired this meeting.
The Welcome address was delivered by Mr. J.C.Weliamuna, Executive Director, TISL. He stated that the corruption has become global issue and subsequently he introduced the theme of the programme. The seminar brought up various issues relating to the corruption in Poverty alleviation sector in Sri Lanka. Mr. Ranjith Bandara, a senior Lecturer from the University of Colombo introduced the theme of poverty alleviation in Sri Lanka. This address revealed various measurements to alleviate the poverty from society. The audience found the data findings of the lecture extremely interesting. Mr. M.M.M.Najeem, a senior Lecturer of the University of Kelaniya effectively dealt with a programme which deals with community empowerment in poverty alleviation. Mr. Hemachandra Ranathunge, Additional Secretary of Ministry of Samurdhi delivered a speech on ‘Poverty Alleviation efforts and current situation in Poverty alleviation programmes in Sri Lanka.’ He elucidated the government’s perception and their current project work towards poverty alleviation. Mr. Lloyd Yapa, an Economist and Strategic Planner presented a range of dimensions of corruption in development followed with concept of good governance as an effectual solution for poverty.
The Consultative Committee Meeting brought forward challenging issues in Poverty alleviation in Sri Lanka. Participants from diverse background including officials of the Ministry of Samurdhi, economists, Community leaders, University students and Researchers in Poverty alleviation sector were present. The audience came up with number of questions which were responded by the speakers. TISL is currently restructuring the Consultative Council and the next committee meeting will be announced in due course.
Resource material from the meeting are listed below for download
• The challenges in alleviating poverty in Sri Lanka By Dr.Ranjith Bandara (Powerpoint Presentation)
• Corruption, Governance and Poverty presentation
• Samurdhi Programme Presentation
• Serendib Micro Finance Presentation