The Hon. K. Ilankumaran

¶ 01 Mr. Presiding Member, although introduced under Act No. 24 of 2002 to strengthen social protection, Aswesuma was reactivated and extended by our Government, mindful of the economy, up to March 2025 and with increased beneficiary numbers. We grant Rs. 10,000 to 960,000 poor families and Rs. 17,500 to 480,000 very poor families, and Rs. 5,000 to vulnerable households.

¶ 02 Despite bankruptcy, we support the poor, elderly, disabled, and CKD patients—Rs. 10,000 for disability/CKD, Rs. 5,000 for elderly. We are committed to eradicating poverty. The country is gradually improving. The Opposition magnifies trivialities because they have little else; we do not fear criticism. People feel the economy strengthening.

¶ 03 We extended “at-risk” payments to June 2026 and will continue core benefits to 2027. Our aim is to build structures so people prefer earning over handouts, and to reduce dependency as the economy grows.

¶ 04 In Jaffna district, 14,189 students receive Rs. 6,000 to ease parental burdens, and school meal coupons of Rs. 3,000 are given to children below the poverty line.

¶ 05 Those who bankrupted the nation now sit in Opposition; even the Supreme Court named responsibility. Today, state enterprises are moving toward profit. Sri Lanka has abundant land and marine resources; the NPP is building steadily, restoring confidence. Development must reach neglected Northern Province too. We are laying the foundation—restarting the Paranthan Chemical Factory on the 21st, prioritizing industry and jobs. The President saw the North first-hand and received strong support there because people recognize equality. Sri Lanka belongs to all—Tamil, Sinhala, Muslim. We will reduce poverty through equitable development. Thank you.