The Hon. R.M. Jayawardhana - Deputy Minister of Trade, Commerce and Food Security

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, today we present a proposal to extend and amend the payment scheme of Aswesuma welfare benefits. For years, various benefits were promised and distributed under many names. Aswesuma emerged in response to the 2021–2022 economic collapse as advised by the World Bank and others. Initially a small eligible group, now discussions suggest over a third of the population qualifies; 3.7 million applications came while the country has about 5.7 million households—how can 3.7 million apply?

¶ 02 Opposition Members asked why problems are not solved within a year and four months of this Government. Many of them were in Parliament for 25 years and in governments for decades without solving poverty. One key driver of poverty is lack of education, especially in rural areas.

¶ 03 Aswesuma was designed to end by 2026. It categorized beneficiaries: - A group of about 400,000 expected to recover quickly: Rs. 2,500 per month for six months. - Another ~400,000: Rs. 5,000 per month. - Another ~800,000 under a separate category (COMO). - Plus DOD category, totalling about two million households.

¶ 04 The plan was staged over 6–24 months across four years. But we see no significant uplift in living standards yet. Therefore, we must continue Aswesuma in line with demand—3.7 million applications show the need. However, selection criteria are problematic. For example, owning a deed to a small plot or a house with a stable roof deducts points even for the poor; while some affluent people living on parental land without deeds gain points. Parents with school-age children gain points, but elderly single mothers/fathers without children lose out. This has created social criticism that “haves” get benefits while the “have-nots” are left out. We will amend this, increase payments and extend the period by six months, and introduce proper review mechanisms and committees so that the most deserving receive assistance. We aim to complete these by mid-year.

¶ 05 On inflation and prices: inflation that had soared to 80–90% fell to negative territory for around 10 months, reflecting declining price pressures. While too-rapid price falls can risk output, maintaining low-single-digit inflation (now under 4%) supports steady growth. Growth momentum exceeded 5% in 2025. If those who ruled for 76 years had managed the economy prudently, people would not be suffering today.

¶ 06 We have increased Aswesuma, disability, cataract and elderly allowances, and will sustain and extend supports by another six months to stabilize livelihoods. I conclude.