Cabinet approves increasing Aswesuma benefit amount, extension of payment period

Wednesday, 4 December 2024 00:02 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Cabinet of Ministers at its meeting on Monday approved amendments to the “Aswesuma” welfare benefits program, whilst increasing the benefit allowance amount and extending the period of payments for certain vulnerable groups.

Speaking at the weekly post-Cabinet meeting media briefing yesterday, Cabinet Spokesman and Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said since the impact of the economic crisis has not completely receded there is a need to provide further short-term relief to families selected in the first round of applications for the program, in relation to transitional and vulnerable categories and families selected in the second round of applications for which the selection processes have commenced.

He said the increased allowances will only come into effect from the date of approval by the Parliament.

Accordingly, it was decided to increase the monthly benefit allowance currently paid to the poor and extremely poor social groups from Rs. 8,500 to Rs. 10,000 and from Rs. 15,000 to Rs. 17,500 respectively.

It was also decided to extend the benefit payment period for the transitional social group to be valid up to 31 March 2025, whilst extending the benefit payment period for the vulnerable social group to be valid up to 31 December 2025.

“It has also been identified that the amount provided under the welfare benefits program at present is not sufficient considering the cost of living,” he justified the decision.

The “Aswesuma” welfare benefits program was introduced from 1 July 2023 and was revised by the Extraordinary Gazette Notification No. 2384/30 which came into effect from 1 July 2024. Under this welfare benefits program, the beneficiary families are entitled to benefit under four main categories.

The proposal submitted by the President in his capacity as the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development to amend the existing Welfare Payment Scheme as follows was approved by the Cabinet of Ministers.