HRCSL to Investigate Aswesuma Welfare Program Amidst Complaints

January 19, Colombo (LNW): The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) has announced its decision to initiate an investigation into the Aswesuma social welfare benefits program following numerous complaints from individuals and organizations. HRCSL Commissioner Attorney Nimal Punchihewa stated that concerns were raised about the non-issuance of benefits to eligible groups, fairness in eligibility criteria, and the selection process.

The investigation aims to assess the fairness of guidelines and the proper execution of the selection process. Meanwhile, Acting Minister of Finance Shehan Semasinghe revealed that an additional 300,000 families have qualified for the Aswesuma welfare benefit, bringing the total number of beneficiary families to over 1.7 million.

In response to objections and appeals, 5,209 families were deemed ineligible for the Aswesuma benefit. The Acting Minister assured that payments for eligible families from July to December would be released before the next payment cycle. Additionally, nearly 1.1 million appeals and objections are set to be expeditiously considered to address concerns and maintain transparency in the welfare program.