During a press briefing at the Presidential Media Centre today (28), State Minister of Finance Shehan Semasinghe announced the completion of the verification and certification process for applicants in the second phase of the "Aswasuma" program. The program aims to extend financial relief to families in need.
Highlighting the significance of timely submissions, Minister Semasinghe emphasized the closure of the second phase of applications by March 15, 2024. He cautioned that failure to adhere to the deadline would result in the forfeiture of eligibility for program benefits.
Addressing concerns of misuse, Minister Semasinghe disclosed that approximately 7,000 individuals who were found to have received benefits based on false information have been removed from the program due to appeals and objections.
Providing further insights, Minister Semasinghe revealed that out of the initially certified 3.4 million family units during the program's first phase, 1.9 million families have been approved for benefits. Following the resolution of appeals and objections, the Welfare Benefit Board is set to initiate payments to selected beneficiaries from July 2024.
With 1,227,000 appeals and objections registered, the majority of cases, around 1,197,000, have been resolved. Notably, Minister Semasinghe stressed the importance of prompt application submissions to avoid ineligibility for relief benefits.
Efforts to increase awareness have resulted in approximately 200,000 to 250,000 applications received thus far. Applications submitted directly to Divisional Secretariats are being processed through the online system, with the second phase closing after March 15, 2024.
Upon completing verification and certification procedures for new applicants, preparations have been finalized to extend insurance benefits to 2.4 million family units, commencing in June 2024. An allocation of Rs. 205 billion for compensation payments in 2024 has been arranged.
In response to concerns regarding misuse, Minister Semasinghe affirmed the readiness to pursue the recovery of funds and initiate legal actions against individuals identified for misrepresentation, in accordance with the law.
