In this blog post we introduce the August 2022 tracking survey results of Gojo's Sri Lanka Financial Diaries project. This time, we included an interview we did with one of the diarists. Read the full report in PDF here and our July 2022 report here.
Overall, there was an improvement in stress levels and access to food and healthcare, but people are still experiencing continuous decrease in income.
- Majority of the diarists are still stressed, but stress levels are now more scattered
- 56.7% have difficulties in accessing food - an improvement from July’s 69.4%
- Food spending ratio continues to increase
- Diarists’ income keep on decreasing, as more than half report their income has decreased from July
- However, less people had to source funds (18.9%) compared to July (31.6%)
Have you had difficulties in accessing food during the last week?
Is there change in income you / your partner earned in the last 2 weeks compared to a month ago?
Can you tell us whether you experienced any instance where you had to source funds in the last 2 weeks?
On a scale of 1-10 where 1 = Not stressed at all and 10 = Very stressed, how stressed are you in the past two weeks financially?
Did you face any of the below situations in the last 2 weeks? (Food)
Food spending ratio in households (Dec '21-Jun '22)
Did you face any of the below situations in the last 2 weeks? (Health)
Is there change in income you / your partner earned in last 2 week compared to a month ago?
Can you tell us whether you experienced any instance where you had to source fund from a financial institution or from a friend / neighbor in last 2 weeks?
What at this right moment, is the worst aspect of the crisis for you and your family?
Inflow and outflow of households (Dec ‘21-May ‘22)
Interview with a Diarist
We interviewed a woman in her 30s who lives in Walakumbura, Narammala. She lives with her husband and three children (12yo, 3yo, 2mo). Her source of income is her husband who works as a driver.
During her pregnancy, she had lots of difficulties due to her husband not having work. There were times where her family only ate rice and sambol, and had to eat one meal to cover both lunch and dinner. She used to receive food stamps, but the program has been halted.
Compared to the previous 2 months, her financial situation has slightly improved because her husband is now able to find work and receive a better salary. She was not able to buy clothes for her two elder children in the past 6 months. But now, she is able to do so.
There are still minor issues due to inflation and the fuel crisis. She says, "My husband gives me Rs 25,000 for household expenses for the month. I somehow stretch that money for two months but with the baby, I cannot stretch it that far. It’s very difficult...I am wondering how we will be able to bear all these expenses". She stopped buying snacks for the children, and had to reduce spending on milk. Before the crisis, she always had fish and meat stocked, but now she has only been able to buy meat once this month.