Number of “Aswesuma” beneficiaries to be increased to 2.4mn families

State Minister of Finance Shehan Semasinghe states that measures will be taken to increase the number of “Aswesuma” welfare benefit recipients to 2.4 million families in consideration of the current dire economic situation.

During a discussion held with the representatives of state banks regarding the future actions to be taken for the continuation of the “Aswesuma” welfare benefits programme in a more effective manner, Semasinghe mentioned that accordingly, the relevant proposal would be submitted to the Cabinet of Ministers as per the directives of President Ranil Wickremesinghe.

The “Aswesuma” welfare programme was formed to provide welfare for 2 million families, out of which 1.4 million families are currently receiving the benefits.

Furthermore, the Finance State Minister expressed that almost 60% of more than 1.1 million appeals and objections concerning the programme have been considered thus far and that the relevant activities would be completed before January 31, 2024.

He also asserted that calling new “Aswesuma” applications would commence by the end of January or the first week of February and that an additional 400,000 recipients would be included in the welfare benefits programme.