National Microfinance Study of Sri Lanka: Survey of Practices and ...

The use of qualitative impact analysis techniques is fairly new in the area of
microfinance and most evaluation activity is focused on inputs and outputs
rather than outcomes.
Given the scale and breadth of microfinance schemes implemented for the
purpose of poverty alleviation in Sri Lanka over the last two decades,
relatively little is known about the impact that such schemes have had on the
poorest and most disenfranchised members of society.
Training
There is a need for externally accredited professional microfinance and
enterprise/economic development training institute in Sri Lanka.
In house microfinance training is undertaken by some of the larger service
providers, normally for their own staff and the staff of their partner
organisations.
Most of the in house training is undertaken in 3 to 5 days courses that are
concerned with basic financial book keeping and savings and credit criteria.
The absence of training in microfinance is another threat to the sustainability
of programmes.
Gender
Targeting of women has been a key component of microfinance since its
inception and most microfinance schemes in Sri Lanka target women to a
significant degree.
Many funders and funder-practitioners routinely require a gender component
to be present within any microfinance proposal.
Of the local NGOs surveyed over half had at least 75% women borrowers,
and 20% of them have 90% or more.
The use of microfinance to target ‘war widows’ and female-headed
households is common among funders and funder-practitioners.