Plan Australia
Sri Lanka
Why Plan Works in Sri Lanka
Almost 80 percent of the population of Sri Lanka lives in rural areas where agriculture is the major activity of the economy. Persistent conflict between the Sinhalese majority and Tamil minority has discouraged foreign investment and tourism, resulting in high unemployment. Sri Lanka has made significant advances in infant mortality, literacy and life expectancy. But the conditions of many children and their families, particularly those from rural areas, are not reflected in these advances.
The health of Sri Lanka's population is threatened both by inadequate access to safe food and water, and by a lack of knowledge concerning health issues. As a result, the people suffer from high rates of respiratory diseases along with alarming rates of malnutrition. Other illnesses include hepatitis, diarrhoea, tuberculosis, measles, and typhoid. As a result of policies pursued by the government and the many Buddhist temples that teach reading and writing to local children, Sri Lanka has an exceptionally high literacy rate.
However, there are still many impediments to education including the lack of infrastructure in the more rural areas of the country. Also the cost of school materials and suitable clothing are sometimes beyond the parents means. Main export crops (including tea, rubber, and coconut) are mostly produced by the plantation sector, which is generally owned by the government or by private companies who employ cheap labour. The small-holders own what little arable land remains. However, soil infertility, little rain, and poor farming techniques are responsible for lowering the productivity of these lands.
Plan programs in Sri Lanka
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Habitat
Growing Up Healthy
Learning
Livelihood
Country Facts
| Country | Sri Lanka | Australia |
| Flag |  |
 |
| Population | 20.5 Million | 19.9 Million |
| Language | Sinhalese, Tamil and English. | English |
| Capital | Colombo | Canberra |
| GDP per capita (USD/year) |
1,033 | $29,000 |
| Life expectancy | 74.3 | 80.3 |
| Access to safe drinking water |
79% | 100% |
| Literacy | 90.7% | 100% |
| Source: | United Nations: Millennium Development Goals Report 2006 | |
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