The second phase of the “Aswesuma” welfare benefit program will begin data collection from July 15 to 30, as announced by the Welfare Benefits Board. Following the successful qualification of over 1.8 million individuals in the first phase, an additional 450,924 applications have been received for the second phase. The identification process to determine eligible recipients for welfare benefits is expected to be completed within this month.
The first phase of “Aswesuma” saw 1,854,000 applicants qualify, with the government allocating Rs. 58.5 billion for the program. The Welfare Benefits Board has provided an opportunity for those who missed applying in the first phase to submit their applications again.
“Aswesuma” aims to provide welfare benefits to four social categories: transitional, vulnerable, poor, and extremely poor. Additionally, allowances will be given to disabled individuals, the elderly, and kidney patients as usual.
To streamline field data collection, a new mobile application featuring photo capture, map integration, and voice recording has been introduced by the Welfare Benefits Board. This mobile app will initially be implemented as a pilot project in the Colombo Divisional Secretariat division.
