Hon. (Dr.) Upali Pannilage - Minister of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment

¶ 01 Mr. Speaker, the answer is as follows.

¶ 02 (a) (1) The current monthly amount paid is Rs. 10,000. It was increased to Rs. 10,000 by the 2025 Budget.

¶ 03 (ii) The current number of recipients is 171,957. In fact, since 2025, this has increased by about 40,000. Previously, it was around 130,000.

¶ 04 (iii) At present, we do not maintain a hard cap, Hon. Member. We accept applications continuously. However, the Gazette has indicated a ceiling of 200,000, and budget allocations were made accordingly. As only around 171,000 currently receive the allowance, there is room for approximately another 29,000 applicants. If applications rise further, we will move to remove the ceiling.

¶ 05 (iv) There is no limit within a family. Whether one, two, or even five persons with disabilities live in the same household, we make arrangements to pay the allowance to all eligible persons, Mr. Speaker.

¶ 06 (b) (i) Primarily, we use the disability eligibility certified by a Medical Officer under the Social Services process.

¶ 07 Next, we apply the household per-capita monthly income.

¶ 08 (ii) Currently, to determine income level we use the official poverty line published by the Department of Census and Statistics. Under the poverty line applicable at the beginning of this year, per-capita monthly income below Rs. 16,191 qualifies for this assistance.

¶ 09 (iii) There is no such obstacle. Beneficiaries of Aswesuma or any other livelihood support can additionally receive the monthly allowance for persons with disabilities.

¶ 10 (iv) For 2026, Rs. 19 billion has been allocated to pay this allowance.

¶ 11 (v) We do not maintain a waiting list now.

¶ 12 Mr. Speaker, I understand why the Hon. Member asks. Previously, for the monthly disability assistance there was a waiting list and certain limits arose. However, from April 2025 we have ended the waiting list. Applications can be submitted continuously, and once properly submitted and recommended, we will arrange payment from the following month.

¶ 13 (vi) Yes. For 2026 we have published a calendar as follows: - April: 9–10 - May: 14–15 - June: 15–16 - July: 14–15 - August: 13–14 - September: 14–15 - October: 13–14 - November: 12–13 - December: 14–15

¶ 14 We have informed all Divisional Secretariats accordingly. As an example, each month the allowance will be paid before the 15th, and between the 12th and 15th.

¶ 15 (c) Does not arise.