Reports of Aswesuma Benefits Being Cut for 1.4 Million Beneficiaries Are False: Minister

Colombo, October 29, 2026 — Minister of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment Dr. Upali Pannila has dismissed media reports claiming that Aswesuma welfare benefits have been suspended for nearly 1.4 million beneficiaries.

The Minister said the reports were false and practically impossible, noting that approximately 1.206 million people are currently receiving Aswesuma benefits.

He made the remarks on Wednesday (29) at the auditorium of the Anuradhapura Bhikkhu University while addressing a programme to brief Samurdhi officers from the Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Trincomalee, Vavuniya and Mullaitivu districts on the national programme “Praja Sawiyata Nava Balayak”, aimed at empowering low-income families.

According to the Minister, as part of the ongoing review of Aswesuma beneficiaries, the list of 991,000 beneficiaries selected under the first phase has already been published.

Approximately 989,000 beneficiaries are currently receiving benefits under the first phase. Therefore, the latest review indicates an increase of around 2,000 beneficiaries, rather than a reduction, he said.

The Minister further explained that around 215,000 beneficiaries are currently covered under the second phase. The review of the second phase is scheduled to be conducted next year, and benefits will continue without any change to the existing number of beneficiaries until that review is completed.

Meanwhile, approximately 740,000 additional beneficiaries under the first phase are yet to undergo the review process.

Taking all these factors into consideration, Minister Pannila said the number of Aswesuma beneficiaries could increase in the future rather than decrease.

He urged the public not to be misled by what he described as false and misleading reports claiming that Aswesuma benefits had been cut. (LankaXpress.com)