Politics · Sri Lanka Bureau
Minister denies reports of mass Aswesuma beneficiary removals
The government has dismissed claims that 1.4 million recipients have been cut from the Aswesuma social assistance programme. The Minister of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment said reports of the alleged removals are unfounded.
LSN Sri Lanka ·
Minister Dr Upali Pannilage rejected reports circulating about large-scale beneficiary removals from the Aswesuma scheme during a television appearance on Tuesday. The Minister categorically stated that claims of 1.4 million recipients being removed from the programme are false.
According to the Minister, the government has undertaken a comprehensive review of Aswesuma beneficiaries as part of routine programme management. The review process has resulted in an updated beneficiary list, though the Minister did not provide specific details about the scale or nature of changes identified during the assessment.
The Aswesuma programme, a key welfare initiative providing cash assistance to vulnerable households, serves as a cornerstone of the government's social protection framework. The clarification comes amid public concern about potential disruptions to assistance for eligible recipients during a period of economic strain affecting many Sri Lankan families.
The Ministry has not released comprehensive figures regarding the total number of active beneficiaries or the outcome of the recent review process. Officials are expected to provide further details in coming weeks.