President’s Fund to support children affected by elephant intrusions

The Board of Governors of the President’s Fund, under the leadership of President Anura Kumara Disanayake has decided to extend financial assistance to children from families affected by elephant intrusions effective from 1 April. 

This initiative aims to ensure uninterrupted education for children whose families have suffered losses, injuries or property damage due to human-elephant conflicts.

The financial assistance will cover families affected by elephant intrusions on or after 1 January 2025 and under this initiative, students from Grade 1 to Grade 11 will receive a monthly allowance of Rs.3,000 for a maximum period of 12 months, while students in Grades 12 and 13 will receive Rs.5,000 per month for the same duration.

A statement issued by the President’s Media Division yesterday noted that priority will be given to families who have lost a loved one or have members injured in such incidents. Additionally, children from families that have experienced crop and property damage due to elephant attacks will also be eligible to apply.

Eligibility will be determined through observations and assessments conducted by the respective Divisional Secretaries. Families must have children enrolled in school from Grade 1 up to G.C.E. Ordinary Level or Advanced Level to qualify for this financial aid. However, children who are already receiving support through the G.C.E. Advanced Level scholarship program under the President’s Fund will not be eligible.

To facilitate the process, Divisional Secretaries across the country have been instructed to collect details of eligible children, conduct personal assessments, and submit applications with their recommendations to the Secretary of the President’s Fund without delay.