Semasinghe says 95% of welfare benefit applications verified 

State Finance Minister Shehan Semasinghe said yesterday the verification of 95% of the applications to receive welfare benefits has been completed.

He said the selection committees appointed to examine and ascertain the accuracy of the declarations by the intended beneficiaries are examining the final set of applications.

Semasinghe noted that the payments of all welfare benefits will be made from July under the ‘Aswesuma’ scheme.

State Minister said the process will ensure welfare benefits will be given under a transparent selection process by which the recipients can be identified.

He also added that dates will be notified to submit objections to the names included in the list or claims to be included to conduct an inquiry and arrive at a decision.

Last month, Parliament approved the new welfare benefit program which consolidates the existing social welfare schemes and allows beneficiaries to enter and exit depending on changing incomes.