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This chapter presents research exploring firsthand experience concerning teaching poverty in social work, challenges, and opportunities at the National Institute of Social Development (NISD), Sri Lanka. It is noteworthy that relevant reading materials and conceptual frameworks in teaching poverty with social work flavor are almost non-existent in Sri Lanka. Based on an intensive analysis of curricula, lecture notes, PowerPoint slides, question papers, exam papers and assignments, and formal discussions using a guideline with third-year social work students, educators, field agencies, and field supervisors, this research focuses on the unique challenges and opportunities to be considered by different stakeholders, affiliated to the NISD in various capacities. In practice, though faculty members and students get ample opportunities to teach and learn poverty education in social work, they recommended that conventional approaches be replaced with innovative ways to make the poverty subject more worthwhile and practical.

Jaffna District, Sri Lanka, has faced enormous socio-economic difficulties since the civil war ended in May 2009. But in contrast to the visible and apparent infrastructural destruction that characterises much of the District, there is a striking number of newly built Hindu temples. The majority of these new temple constructions are linked to diasporic engagement, philanthropy and giving. Through a Maussian lens, this article provides insights into how the gift of a temple enables people in the diaspora to give something back to local socio-cultural structures, in order to reposition them in relation to their places of origin. However, the Maussian 'gift' not only serves the giver; it also impacts on the receiver. The article therefore asks: How does the receiver use these temples? What impact do the temples have on the socio-economic and cultural environment? How are they commodified? Three in-depth case studies will help to provide answers to these questions and to better understand the long-term impact of the gift of temples in post-war Jaffna. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article looks into the application of groupwork in Sri Lanka with a group of women-headed households (WHHs) to empower them and promote a sustainable economic development through self-employment initiatives. This particular groupwork was carried out in an underprivileged rural village, in Sri Lanka. Participants were divided into three groups based on their interest in the following livelihood activities; home gardening, tailoring and handloom work. They were facilitated with different activities for the period of six months. The significant changes were; improved skills in selected area, leadership and team work, documentation, mutual support, internal harmony among the community members, marketing skill and self-confidence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]