Applications for the ‘Aswesuma’ benefits programme are slated to be called once again in January 2024, State Minister of Finance Ranjith Siyambalapitiya revealed.
He noted that the relevant decision was made on the orders of President Ranil Wiclremesinghe, for those who were unable to apply in the first phase of the beneficiary scheme.
Speaking to the media in this regard in Kegalle, Siyambalapitiya stated that while it was initially decided to select a total of 2 million families, they hope to increase it to a total of 2.4 million beneficiary families.
Earlier this month, State Minister Shehan Semasinghe also revealed that the State will carry out a comprehensive review of the welfare benefit scheme’s first phase, before the second phase is launched.
The issues that emerged during the implementation of the first phase and also the suggestions presented by various parties will be considered during this review, Semasinghe said.