World Bank representatives have underscored the importance of maintaining an accurate and regularly updated data system to ensure the fair and effective selection of beneficiaries under Sri Lanka’s Aswesuma Social Security Programme.
They affirmed the World Bank’s readiness to provide technical assistance and international expertise to support this process.
These observations were made during a joint meeting held at Parliament recently, attended by members of the Ministerial Consultative Committee on Finance, Planning and Economic Development, the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Economic Development and International Relations, other Members of Parliament, officials from the Ministry of Finance, Economic Stabilisation and National Policies, and representatives of the World Bank.
The meeting was chaired by Rural Development, Social Empowerment and Welfare Minister Dr. Upali Pannilageand Sectoral Oversight Committee Chairperson MP Attorney Lakmali Hemachandra. The World Bank delegation included Senior Economist for the Social Security Project Francesca Lamanna and Senior Social Security Specialist Srinivas Varadan, among others.
During the discussions, World Bank representatives emphasised that a comprehensive, data-driven social security system is essential for accurately identifying genuinely poor and vulnerable households. They clarified that inclusion in the national database alone does not guarantee eligibility for benefits; all data must be verified and analysed to ensure fairness and precision.
They further highlighted that a well-maintained and continuously updated data system is a productive long-term investment that strengthens the integrity and sustainability of Sri Lanka’s social protection framework.
Several MPs also shared their observations on challenges faced in the distribution of Aswesuma benefits, proposing that local-level committees be involved in selecting beneficiaries and that the final lists be publicly displayed within each village to ensure transparency.
Officials involved in implementing the Aswesuma programme acknowledged that certain difficulties had arisen due to insufficient information provided to implementing officers, Divisional Secretaries, and Grama Niladhari officers. However, they assured that measures are being taken to improve awareness and coordination among all stakeholders to ensure smooth implementation.
The meeting was also attended by Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, several Ministers, Deputy Ministers, and MPs, along with World Bank Advisor Shalika Subasinghe and senior officials from the Finance Ministry.
