Medical assistance applications to the President’s Fund have increased by 59% within one year following the decentralisation and digitalisation of services to Divisional Secretariat offices islandwide, official figures show.
In 2025, the President’s Fund received 5,277 medical assistance applications, compared to 3,313 in 2024 and 3,456 in 2023. This marks an increase of 1,964 applications compared to the previous year. More than 70% of applicants have already been granted medical assistance.
Significant regional growth was recorded, with applications from the Northern Province rising by 253%. The Eastern Province saw an increase of 135%, the Central Province 116%, and the Uva Province recorded a 108% increase, the highest growth rate.
The acceptance of medical assistance applications through all Divisional Secretariat offices began on February 7, 2025. Following the success of this initiative, other services of the President’s Fund have also been decentralised and made available online.
These include poverty alleviation assistance, educational scholarships, support for persons with special needs, compensation related to wild elephant attacks, disaster relief, and recognition of individuals who have rendered national or public service.
With this move, services that were previously limited to Colombo for 47 years can now be accessed through any Divisional Secretariat office, allowing beneficiaries to apply closer to their homes.
