The Sri Lankan Government has announced the extension of the school stationery allowance, initially granted to “Aswesuma” beneficiaries, to a broader group of underprivileged students. This initiative aims to provide essential resources for children from marginalised backgrounds, ensuring they are prepared for the new school year.
Cabinet Spokesman, Health and Media Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, revealed at the weekly Cabinet Media conference that the Rs. 6,000 allowance, initially given to children from “Aswesuma” beneficiary families, will now benefit students in 6,576 schools with fewer than 300 pupils.
The expanded scheme will also cover children from families ineligible for the welfare program, residents of Child Development Centers, and both lay and monastic students enrolled in Pirivenas. Additionally, the initiative will assist orphaned children, those with disabled parents, and others facing hardship due to special circumstances.
The Education, Higher Education, and Vocational Education Ministries will oversee the implementation of this program. Recognizing the absence of a comprehensive database to identify all eligible recipients, the government has opted to include predefined categories to avoid delays.
Dr. Jayatissa emphasized the importance of timely assistance, ensuring the aid is delivered before the start of the 2025 school term. He reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting education and ensuring no child is left behind in their academic journey.
