What is the Divineguma Act and how does it affect Sri Lanka's development?
What is the Divineguma Act and how does it affect Sri Lanka's development?
The Divineguma Act, No. 1 of 2013, is a law that aims to promote poverty alleviation and social equity in Sri Lanka by establishing a Department of Divineguma Development, a network of community-based organizations and a micro-finance banking system. The Act was passed by the Parliament of Sri Lanka on January 11, 2013, and came into operation on February 15, 2013.
Divineguma Act Sinhala 14.pdf
What are the main features of the Divineguma Act?
The Divineguma Act has four main parts:
Part I establishes the Department of Divineguma Development by amalgamating the Samurdhi Authority of Sri Lanka, the Southern Development Authority of Sri Lanka and the Udarata Development Authority of Sri Lanka. The Department is headed by a Director-General appointed by the Minister in charge of the subject of Divineguma Development. The Department is responsible for implementing policies and programmes related to poverty alleviation, livelihood development, social security and community empowerment.
Part II establishes Divineguma Community Based Organizations (CBOs) at rural level and provides for a co-ordinating network at district level and national level. The CBOs are voluntary associations of people who engage in various activities such as savings, credit, production, marketing, social welfare and environmental protection. The CBOs are registered with the Department and are supervised by Divineguma Community Development Officers. The CBOs are also linked with District Divineguma Co-ordinating Committees and a National Divineguma Co-ordinating Council.
Part III establishes Divineguma Community Based Banks (CBBs) and Divineguma Community Based Banking Societies (CBBSs) as financial institutions that provide micro-finance services to the members of CBOs. The CBBs and CBBSs are registered with the Department and are regulated by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka. The CBBs and CBBSs offer savings, loans, insurance and other financial products to their members.
Part IV repeals the Samurdhi Authority of Sri Lanka Act, No. 30 of 1995, the Southern Development Authority of Sri Lanka Act, No.18 of 1996 and the Udarata Development Authority of Sri Lanka Act, No. 26 of 2005 and provides for transitional provisions.
What are the benefits of the Divineguma Act?
The Divineguma Act is expected to bring about several benefits for Sri Lanka's development, such as:
Enhancing the participation and empowerment of people at grassroots level in planning and implementing development activities.
Strengthening the institutional capacity and coordination of different agencies involved in poverty alleviation and social development.
Improving the access and quality of micro-finance services for low-income households and entrepreneurs.
Creating opportunities for income generation, employment creation and social protection for vulnerable groups.
Promoting social cohesion, harmony and peace among diverse communities.
How can I learn more about the Divineguma Act?
If you want to learn more about the Divineguma Act, you can download the full text of the Act from LawNet, or view a summary presentation from Sway. You can also contact the Department of Divineguma Development at +94 11 269 6319 or visit their website at www.divinegumadepartment.gov.lk. e0e6b7cb5c