Finance State Minister Shehan Semasinghe announced that starting from January 2024, the monthly allowances for disabled persons, kidney patients, and elderly citizens in Sri Lanka will be retrospectively raised, aiming to provide better support to vulnerable segments of society.
According to the latest adjustments, the allowances will be increased as follows:
Kidney patients: Rs. 7,500 (previously Rs. 5,000)
Disabled persons: Rs. 7,500 (previously Rs. 5,000)
Elderly citizens: Rs. 3,000 (previously Rs. 2,000)
Beneficiaries under the 'Aswesuma' welfare program, entitled to these allowances, will be identified within the first quarter of 2024. The increased payments will commence from April 01, offering relief to those in need.
Moreover, the valid period for the 'vulnerable' and 'transitional' social groups will be extended until December 31. As part of this extension, the existing 'vulnerable' and 'transitional' groups will be merged. Consequently, a total of 800,000 families will fall under the 'vulnerable' category and will receive an allowance of Rs. 5,000 until the end of December. Previously, the 'transitional' social group received Rs. 2,500.
