Investing in the future: A universal benefit for Sri Lanka's children
February 2020 UNICEF Sri Lanka working paper
Highlights
While the lives of children have improved significantly over the past decades in Sri Lanka, the majority of them are living in low-income families and, as a result, face challenges in accessing adequate, nutritious food and a good home learning environment. The current social protection system is not fit for purpose to address the needs of children. A key component of a modern system would be a Universal Child Benefit (UCB), offering all children cash transfers each month with the aim of increasing family incomes. This report outlines two options for providing all children in Sri Lanka with a child benefit. It shows that a Universal Child Benefit could help address many of the challenges faced by Sri Lanka’s children and that it is financially feasible for Sri Lanka.
