The perception
and evaluation of political clientelism among Sri Lanka's impoverished
communities is a complex issue that requires a closer examination. The
impoverished communities are the most vulnerable to the effects of political
clientelism as they depend on the state for basic services such as healthcare,
education, and housing. Therefore, their perception and evaluation of political
clientelism are crucial in understanding the impact of this practice on the
country's socioeconomic development.
In recent years, Sri Lanka has made significant increases in poverty rates. According to the World Bank, the poverty rate in Sri Lanka increased from 6.7% in 2012 to 13% in 2021. However, the ratio could be increased, and poverty remains concentrated in certain regions and among certain ethnic groups. For instance, poverty rates are higher in the Northern and Eastern provinces, which are predominantly Tamil-speaking. Moreover, poverty rates are higher among female-headed households and households headed by people with disabilities.