Sri Lanka is set to initiate a development initiative funded by a 100-million-dollar loan from the Asian Development Bank (ADB), aimed at enhancing social safety nets, improving livelihoods, and providing care services for at-risk populations. This program, titled the Macro-Recovery Sector Development Program for Promoting Resilience and Inclusive Economic Opportunities, is scheduled to run from November 2026 to October 2031 and will be implemented in the districts of Kegalle, Matale, Mullaitivu, Kilinochchi, Batticaloa, and Nuwara Eliya.

This ADB-backed project is designed to tackle economic vulnerabilities that have been intensified by climate change. According to Vijitha Herath, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, approximately 56 percent of the population in Sri Lanka experiences various forms of vulnerability, with women, youth, the elderly, individuals with disabilities, and communities in rural and plantation areas being particularly affected.

The program will encompass policy reforms and investment initiatives focused on three key areas. It will offer entrepreneurship training, improve access to markets, and establish financial connections. Furthermore, 30,000 households identified under the Aswesuma program will be awarded a seed capital grant of 200,000 rupees, distributed in two payments.

In addition, the initiative plans to introduce new regulations and training for care professionals, alongside the establishment of five day-care centers specifically for senior citizens. A comprehensive Social Protection Plan will also be developed to reform existing systems.

The Cabinet of Ministers has approved the proposal for implementation as presented by the Minister of Rural Development, Social Security, and Community Empowerment.