• Will not call for programme to be scrapped

The ruling Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) is to call for a review of the 'Aswesuma' social welfare programme this week, seeking to correct alleged deficiencies in the selection of beneficiaries, The Daily Morning learns.

According to the SLPP, the party plans to ‘exert strong pressure’ on President and Finance, Economic Stabilisation and National Policies Minister, Ranil Wickremesinghe on the issue this week.

Under the 'Aswesuma' programme, a monthly allowance varying from Rs.2,500 to Rs.15,000 will be provided to four categories of families, namely, transitional, vulnerable, poor, and extremely poor, for a specific period of time. The list of beneficiaries of the programme had been publicised last week, and several parties including the public have claimed that the selection process had not been carried out properly.

Speaking to The Daily Morning yesterday (25), SLPP General Secretary and Parliamentarian, Attorney Sagara Kariyawasam said that the SLPP had identified several deficiencies in the programme, particularly in the selection process.

"We saw the relevant parties that implemented this programme themselves saying they had to deploy another group and select beneficiaries as the relevant officers refused to do it. They requested the people to file an appeal if there has been any deficiency. It is very wrong to work in such an irresponsible manner regarding the most vulnerable social group of the country. A programme like this aimed at such groups' welfare should be launched very responsibly,” he opined.

Kariyawasam claimed that the Government itself has acknowledged that the 'Aswesuma' programme has not been implemented properly. "When the gap between rich and poor broadens, it is very harmful to the country. There should be some mechanism to prevent such a situation from arising. We, as the SLPP, are very strict on this matter. As soon as the President returns to the country (Wickremesinghe is scheduled to return today after an official visit to the UK and France), we intend to exert strong pressure to correct the deficiencies and reevaluate the selection process. We will be asking him not to play with the lives of the poor."

He also pointed out that the Government itself has now stated that anyone could make an appeal if they have not been selected to receive welfare benefits under this programme despite their eligibility, but it would not be a very suitable mechanism.

When asked if the SLPP would seek the suspension of the programme, he said: "As far as I am aware, this programme is launched at the request of the International Monetary Fund (IMF). In that situation, we cannot do everything as we want. Therefore, we will not make unfair requests as a party, but we insist that this be done in a responsible manner."

However, when contacted by The Daily Morning, State Minister of Finance Ranjith Siyambalapitiya pointed out that the Government has adopted a flexible approach with regard to the 'Aswesuma' programme.

"As the Government, our aim is to provide relief through this programme to everyone who is in need. If there is anyone who is eligible to receive benefits, but is not in the list of beneficiaries, they should not panic at all. They can make an appeal. If anyone who is not eligible to receive these benefits is in the relevant list, any person can submit an objection to such, even anonymously. These options are there. In addition, I wish to discuss these issues with President Wickremesinghe and President's Secretary Saman Ekanayake," he added.

The President had given directions for the initiation of “Aswesuma” welfare benefit payments, which are scheduled to commence from 1 July. The relevant gazette notification was published in accordance with the authorities delegated to the President as Minister of Finance, Economic Stabilisation, and National Policy. Under the programme, a monthly allowance of Rs. 2,500 will be provided to  transitional category, Rs.5,000 to vulnerable category, Rs.7,500 to poor category, and Rs.15,000 to extremely poor category. The usual provision of allowances for the differently-abled, elderly, and chronic kidney patients will continue.