Drawing on a review of key literature and a series of consultations with policy makers, practitioners and
academics, this paper explores and assesses the current state of knowledge on livelihoods, basic
services and social protection in Sri Lanka. In particular, it examines:
? How the actions of and interactions between state, non-state and private actors, as well as
individuals, households and communities shape processes of service delivery (and receipt) and
determine livelihood outcomes (in conflict-affected situations);
? Whether or how the delivery of basic services, the provision of social protection and the
implementation of livelihood programmes can contribute to state-building in the Sri Lankan
contexts; and
? What power dynamics and political processes support livelihoods and underpin decisions about
delivering basic services and providing social protection in the Sri Lankan contexts.