Divisional Secretaries’ Union agrees to support continuation of Aswasuma Welfare Program

Chairman of the Welfare Benefits Board, Jayantha Wijeratne, revealed that during a meeting that took place at the Presidential Secretariat today (07),  the Union of Sri Lanka Divisional Secretaries  agreed to support the continued implementation of the Aswasuma welfare benefits program

The meeting was attended by key dignitaries, including Minister of State for Finance Shehan Semasinghe, President’s Senior Adviser on National Security and Chief of Presidential Staff Sagala Ratnayaka, as well as President’s Secretary Saman Ekanayake and a team of officials from the Ministry of Public Administration

A key component of the decision includes the appointment of dedicated officers at village level to ensure the efficient implementation of the Aswasuma welfare program which will enhance the program’s delivery and impact.

Additionally, Mr. Wijeratne, addressed the existing technical challenges facing the Aswasuma welfare program, assuring that prompt solutions will be implemented to facilitate its continued progress.

The Aswasuma welfare benefit program, which is being carried out under the provisions of the Welfare Benefits Act No. 24 of 2002, and subsequent amendments, was approved by the Cabinet on December 15, 2022. The program, as detailed in Special Gazette No. 2302/23 dated October 20, 2022, encompasses welfare benefit payments across four social categories: transitional, vulnerable, poor, and extremely poor. Moreover, it extends financial support and allowances to individuals with disabilities, the elderly, and kidney patients.