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.