Aswesuma welfare programme appeals mainly seek additional benefits: Govt.

The government yesterday said a considerable number of individuals initially qualified under the Aswesuma welfare benefit programme, have submitted appeals requesting additional benefits.
“As of Monday, there were 968,000 appeals. A committee is reviewing these appeals. However, over 600,000 of those who have filed appeals are seeking more benefits while been already qualified for the scheme,” Cabinet Spokesperson Minister Bandula Gunawardana told a Cabinet media briefing held in Colombo yesterday.

The deadline for filing appeals and objections concerning the Aswesuma welfare benefits scheme was set on Monday.
In addition to the appeals, Gunawardana noted that a total of 17,500 objections have also been filed.
However, the minister noted that anyone who has missed the deadline can submit their concerns directly with the Presidential Secretariat.

Under the scheme, cash transfers are distributed among four categories, namely transitional, vulnerable, poor, and extremely poor. Additionally, the usual allowances for the differently-abled, elderly, and kidney patients will also be provided.

As per the government’s plan already announced, 400,000 transitional beneficiaries will receive Rs.2,500.00 per month until December 31 (2023), 400,000 vulnerable beneficiaries will receive Rs.5,000.00 per month until March 31 (2024), 800,000 poor beneficiaries will receive Rs.8,500.00 per month, and extremely poor beneficiaries will receive Rs.15,000.00 per month for three years from beginning July 1, 2023.