The Aswasuma Welfare Benefit Payment Scheme, which has been in effect since July 1, 2023, has undergone amendments as per Extra Ordinary Gazette No. 2415/66, dated December 21, 2024.

Accordingly, the Cabinet of Ministers has approved a proposal by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, in his capacity as the Minister of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development, to revise the benefits under the schemein line with the budget allocations for 2025.

The key amendments include:

• Extending benefit entitlements for the transitional social category (Schedule I) until April 30, 2025.
• Increasing monthly assistance payments from Rs. 7,500 to Rs. 10,000 for persons with disabilities and those receiving treatment for kidney diseases, and from Rs. 3,000 to Rs. 5,000 for elderly persons (Schedule II), with implementation from April 2025.
• Extending payments for disabled persons, kidney patients, and elderly individuals (Schedule II) until December 31, 2025, under the revised scheme.
• Halting allowances under the transitional social category after April 2025, while continuing payments for disabled persons, kidney patients, and elderly individuals from these families until December 31, 2025.
• Accepting new applications for disabled and kidney patients, subject to a maximum limit, with payments valid until December 31, 2025.

These amendments aim to enhance social welfare while ensuring effective financial management within the allocated 2025 budget.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has pledged to take necessary steps to eliminate organized crime and drug abuse while introducing new legislation to strengthen law enforcement.

The President made these remarks during a discussion held yesterday (18) at the Presidential Secretariat with police chiefs of the Western Province.

He emphasized that maintaining the rule of law is a primary responsibility of the Police Department and stated that a just society cannot be established in Sri Lanka without ensuring the supremacy of the rule of law.

Among those present at the discussion were Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs Ananda Wijepala, Deputy Minister Sunil Watagala, Secretary to the Ministry of Public Security Ravi Seneviratne, Acting Inspector General of Police Priyantha Weerasooriya, and several Western Province police chiefs.

The misappropriation of government-allocated fertilizer subsidy funds meant for farmers has been exposed, with some recipients yet to receive their payments, State Minister of Agriculture Namal Karunaratne revealed yesterday.

Speaking in Parliament, in response to a question raised by MP Susanta Kumara Navaratne, the State Minister disclosed that Rs. 2,934,310 allocated to 155 farmers in the Anuradhapura District had been misappropriated.

He further stated that a female official has already been taken into custody in connection with the incident.

Additionally, complaints have been lodged with the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) regarding the disappearance of fertilizer subsidy funds, and further investigations are ongoing, the State Minister confirmed.

Sri Lanka’s economy recorded an impressive turnaround, achieving 5% growth in 2024, supported by renewed macroeconomic stability, according to the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL).

The Census and Statistics Department reported that the country’s economy grew by 5.4% in the fourth quarter of 2024, surpassing earlier projections.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) had previously forecast 4.5% growth for Sri Lanka in 2024, but the actual figures exceeded expectations.

Key sectoral growth figures include:

• Agriculture: Expanded by 8.3% compared to the previous year.
• Industry: Recorded a substantial growth of 25.5%.
• Services: Showed an impressive increase of 57.5%.

Sri Lanka’s economy had plunged into crisis in 2022, contracting 7.3% due to a severe foreign exchange shortage, soaring inflation, currency depreciation, and a historic foreign debt default. The downturn continued into 2023, with a 2.3% contraction.

However, a stronger-than-expected recovery took place in 2024, largely attributed to the $2.9 billion four-year bailoutprogram secured from the IMF in March 2023, which introduced economic reforms and financial stabilization measures.

JVP General Secretary Tilvin Silva stated yesterday that the Batalanda Commission was not appointed by the current government and that there were no hidden motives behind unveiling its report.

Speaking to the media at the party office in Battaramulla, Silva emphasized that the government was merely bringing to light a report that had been previously concealed from the public.

He further noted that a large number of people are prepared to testify about the events that took place in Batalanda and that, if proper evidence is presented, not only Ranil Wickremesinghe but many others involved will have to face legal consequences.

Silva assured that the government would take all legally possible actions while remaining within the bounds of the law.

“This is a complex task. Evidence must be gathered, past killings and crimes must be investigated, and justice must be served for the victims. There are ongoing investigations into the anti-democratic and inhumane acts committed during previous regimes. We do not act outside the law—it is our responsibility to enforce justice against those involved in these crimes,” he asserted.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has underscored the importance of providing high-quality infrastructure and services for tourists visiting Sri Lanka, as the country continues to gain international recognition as a premier travel destination.

During a discussion held yesterday at the Presidential Secretariat with officials from the Tourism Ministry, the President instructed them to prioritize infrastructure improvements and take necessary actions to enhance visitor experiences.

Officials provided a briefing on the budgetary allocations designated for the Tourism Ministry and outlined the projects currently being implemented under those funds. The discussion also focused on utilizing these allocations for essential infrastructure development, as Sri Lanka targets three million tourist arrivals this year.

Foreign Affairs, Tourism, and Foreign Employment Minister Vijitha Herath, Tourism Deputy Minister Dr. Ruwan Ranasinghe, President’s Secretary Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, Senior Additional Secretary to the President Roshan Gamage, Foreign Secretary Aruni Ranaraja, and several senior officials from the Tourism Ministryattended the meeting.

Sri Lanka marked International Recycling Day 2025 today at the Ministry of Environment, under the theme “Recycling Heroes.” The event recognized individuals, organizations, and initiatives that promote recycling for a sustainable planet and a greener future.

The event was organized by Mr. Mahinda Werahera, Director of the Environmental Pollution Control and Chemicals Management Unit, under the patronage of Minister of Environment Dr. Dammika Patabendi. The Secretary to the Ministry, Mr. K. R. Uduwawala, along with representatives from private sector organizations and environmental institutions, also participated.

World Recycling Day, established in 2018, aims to promote a circular economy by reducing solid waste and encouraging the recycling of materials such as paper, plastic, metal, glass, and electronic waste. The current government has emphasized identifying recyclable materials for new product production, reducing plastic waste, and tackling the growing issue of microplastics.

The absence of an efficient recycling system has led to environmental harm and economic losses, including job reductions and habitat destruction. The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for 2030 highlight recycling as a crucial measure to address these challenges.

Through the “Clean Sri Lanka” program, the government is committed to fostering a balanced and green economythrough effective recycling practices. Minister Dr. Dammika Patabendi also stated that upcoming cabinet decisionswill focus on further streamlining recycling efforts across the country.

Speaker Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne announced the formation of a five-member committee tasked with reviewing the legal framework for implementing recommendations made by Parliamentary Committees.

The committee will also provide guidance on actions that can be taken within the constitutional framework in cases where these recommendations are not implemented.

The decision to appoint the committee was made during a Committee on Parliamentary Business meeting on January 23, and its formation was officially confirmed during a meeting on March 15.

The committee will be chaired by Minister Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law, M.P. The other members include Deputy Minister Sunil Watagala, Attorney-at-Law, and Members of Parliament Ravi Karunanayake, Ajith P. Perera, and Oshani Umanga, the latter of whom was nominated as an additional member.