The Hon. (Dr.) Harshana Suriyapperuma - Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning

¶ 01 Hon. Speaker, answers to the Hon. Leader of the Opposition:

¶ 02 1. The programme operates to achieve the objectives of the Welfare Benefits Act, No. 24 of 2002. 2. Yes. Benefits have been continuously provided up to April to about 94% of selected households. 3. Beneficiary numbers and payments (summary): - 2023 (Jul–Dec) total paid: Rs. 51,967,357,500 - 2024 (Jan–Dec to date covered in table): Rs. 145,132,338,250 - 2025 (Jan–Jun): Rs. 75,288,023,750 Breakdowns by category (Extremely Poor, Poor, Vulnerable, Transitional) and by month have been compiled and are available. 4. Criteria are as published in the Extraordinary Gazette dated 2022.10.20. 5. The methodology was validated through a pilot project and implemented thereafter. Steps are being taken to further improve it. 6. Detailed information is expected to be published by end of July 2025. 7. Yes. The Government has taken note of current reputable data reports and will utilize them as appropriate. 8. The Government is prepared to further strengthen social welfare programmes and implement necessary mechanisms going forward. 9. Poverty alleviation requires a multi-dimensional development approach. We are implementing a programme to ensure necessary protections to vulnerable groups and to enable economic empowerment so beneficiaries can transition into active economic participants.

¶ 03 Regarding the foam mattress exporter, agreements clearly state that Sri Lanka cannot be used as a dumping conduit or to breach anti-dumping frameworks. The investor initially agreed not to export to certain markets but is now seeking to ship there. This is not a punitive stance by the Government; issues have arisen due to past events, and the investor seeks openings to previously restricted destinations — which is where the problem lies.