February 29, Colombo (LNW): Finance State Minister Shehan Semasinghe announced the completion of the verification and certification process for applicants in the second phase of the “Aswasuma” programme.
As a result, arrangements have been made to extend benefits to 2.4 million family units, with implementation set to commence in June 2024.
During a press briefing held at the Presidential Media Centre under the theme ‘Collective Path to a Stable Country’, State Minister Semasinghe emphasised the imminent closure of the second phase of applications, scheduled to end on March 15, 2024.
Stressing the importance of timely submission, he cautioned that failure to adhere to the deadline would result in individuals forfeiting eligibility for programme benefits.
Moreover, the Minister highlighted that approximately 7,000 individuals who had received benefits based on false information were removed from the programme following appeals and objections.
Providing further insights, the State Minister disclosed that initially, 3.4 million family units were certified during the programme’s first phase, out of which 1.9 million families have been deemed eligible for benefits.
Following the adjudication of appeals and objections, the Welfare Benefit Board is set to initiate payments to selected beneficiaries starting July 2024.
With regards to the application process, Semasinghe reported that approximately 1,197,000 appeals and objections out of a total of 1,227,000 have been resolved.
Additionally, efforts to raise awareness online have resulted in the submission of around 200,000 to 250,000 applications. Application forms submitted directly to Divisional Secretariats are currently undergoing processing via the online system.
It is emphasised that the call for applications in the second phase will cease after March 15, 2024, with failure to submit rendering individuals ineligible for relief benefits.
Furthermore, following the completion of verification and certification for new applicants, all necessary preparations have been concluded to extend insurance benefits to 2.4 million family units from June 2024 onwards, with an anticipated allocation of Rs. 205 billion for compensation payments in 2024.
Minister Semasinghe reiterated that the allocation of these provisions has already been arranged.
Regarding individuals found to have received benefits through fraudulent means, Semasinghe emphasised the readiness to pursue fund recovery and legal action in accordance with the law upon identification of such cases.
