The Aswesuma program, launched by President Ranil Wickremesinghe amidst economic turmoil last year, aims to aid vulnerable populations. Funded in part by the World Bank, it targets 2.4 million individuals categorized as extreme poor, poor, vulnerable, and transitional.
A significant number of Sri Lankans enrolled in the Aswesuma poverty alleviation program are unable to receive their monthly stipends due to complications with bank accounts, a senior government official revealed.
Despite the government approving 1.8 million households for Aswesuma benefits last year, approximately 200,000 beneficiaries have yet to receive any assistance, citing various challenges, according to Jayantha Wijerathne, Chairman of the Welfare Benefits Board.
“Out of these 200,000 individuals, around 135,000 have not opened bank accounts, thereby preventing us from depositing their entitled funds,” Wijerathne disclosed in an interview with a media group on Monday.
He explained that reasons for this range from individuals defaulting on loans affecting their credit scores (CRIB), to others being unaware of the necessity to open a bank account for the program’s funds. Additionally, elderly and disabled individuals face difficulties in account opening, prompting appeals to government officials for assistance.
“Once these issues are resolved and accounts are opened, beneficiaries will receive all pending payments dating back to July last year,” Wijerathne assured.
The Aswesuma programme, launched by President Ranil Wickremesinghe amidst economic turmoil last year, aims to aid vulnerable populations. Funded in part by the World Bank, it targets 2.4 million individuals categorized as extreme poor, poor, vulnerable, and transitional.
Government data reveals allocations under the program include 15,000 rupees monthly for 370,000 categorized as extremely poor, 8,500 rupees for 755,000 classified as poor, and 5,000 rupees each for 387,000 deemed vulnerable. An additional 339,000 individuals in transitional circumstances also receive 5,000 rupees monthly.
Furthermore, the government extends monthly payments of 7,500 rupees to disabled individuals, as well as to those above 70 years of age, while providing a similar allowance to individuals afflicted with unidentified kidney diseases.
Amid ongoing efforts to address logistical challenges, the government is currently processing applications for a second round of beneficiaries, having received over 455,000 new applications.
As Sri Lanka navigates through these efforts to support its most vulnerable, the resolution of banking issues remains crucial to ensure timely and effective delivery of much-needed assistance to those in need.
