News Today: Poverty in Sri Lanka’s hill country reaches 57%, says MP Thondaman

United National Party (UNP) MP Jeevan Thondaman revealed in Parliament that poverty in Sri Lanka’s hill country has surged to 57%, a drastic increase from 23% following the Covid-19 pandemic. The economic crisis that followed has significantly impacted livelihoods, pushing thousands into severe financial hardship.

Thondaman highlighted that one of the primary reasons for this crisis is the demarcation of boundaries during the non-civil rights period. He claimed that the upcountry population was excluded from these divisions, preventing them from receiving essential government services.

The MP further stated that the Samurdhi and Aswesuma welfare programs, which provide financial assistance to low-income families, have not been extended to the hill country region. As a result, many vulnerable individuals are left without vital support despite the rising cost of living.

The lack of government intervention in upcountry areas has intensified economic disparities. According to Thondaman, these communities have been systematically neglected, leading to worsening poverty rates and socio-economic instability.

The issue of inequality in resource allocation and the absence of structured development policies for hill country communities remain pressing concerns. The MP urged immediate government action to reassess boundaries, extend welfare programs, and provide sustainable solutions for economic recovery in the region.