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Gathering of data for social welfare register hampered

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Might affect IMF aid

Samurdhi officials’ refusal to collect data to prepare a social welfare register to enhance transparency of government welfare programmes has caused many issues.This was revealed when the Extraordinary Gazette No. 2302/23, published under the Welfare Benefits Act No. 24 of 2002, was taken into consideration before the Committee on Public Finance recentl under the Chairmanship of Member of Parliament Dr. Harsha De Silva.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has proposed that welfare activities be carried out transparently without corruption. The responsibility for paying Samurdhi and welfare benefits is assigned to the Welfare Benefits Board.

Accordingly, the Chairman of the Welfare Benefits Board B. Wijeratne said that Trade unions of Samurdhi Department officers, Grama Niladharis and Economic Development officers had informed that they would not carry out the next phase of this programme until measures were taken to amend the section 21 and 22 of the Welfare Benefits Act. As it is, they were liable to termination in the event any applicant furnishing wrong information.

Wijeratne pointed out that the officers who enter false data are also subject to punishment by section 21 and 22. Acceptance of initial applications to identify suitable individuals/families for receiving welfare benefit payments recently ended. The Chairman of the Welfare Benefits Board said that a mobile application scheme had also been introduced to collect secondary data by visiting the houses of the applicants who had applied for welfare benefits.

It was discussed in the committee that nearly 40% of Samurdhi beneficiaries do not fall into the criteria set up, as revealed in a World Bank survey. It is evident that there are some corrupt officials who issue Samurdhi allowance to get a cut. It was emphasized in the committee that it is essential to prepare a register with the correct data in order to carry out these welfare benefit payments transparently.

The committee also recommended that the National Identity Card should be made mandatory in the payment of welfare benefits. The committee pointed out that every citizen must be given a national identity card which is important to stop fraudulent activities.

Thus, the committee emphasized a delay in preparing this register may lead to delay in obtaining the assistance of the IMF.Accordingly, the committee which gave approval for this gazette advised the higher officials of the Ministry of Finance and the Chairman of the Welfare Benefits Board to discuss the matter urgently and arrive at a solution. Also, the committee recommended taking decisions related to carrying out these data collection activities promptly by following an alternative method. (SI)



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Stand united with renewed confidence and determination, and to join in the shared task of shaping a new era of national renewal – PM

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Prime Minister Dr Harini Amarasuriya in her Indepencence Day message invited all Sri Lankans to stand united with renewed confidence and determination, and to join in the shared task of shaping a new era of national renewal.

The full text of the PM’s message:

The 78th National Independence Day is marked with renewed hope for freedom. We have now entered a new chapter with a people’s government formed through the collective will and effort of all citizens.

The Government has begun the task of building a nation for future generations, grounded in human values, strengthened by skills, and enriched by intellectual capacity. The time has come for every citizen to fulfill their responsibility to the motherland by contributing meaningfully to the building of a nation rooted in shared values.

We remain committed to achieving national priorities, including stabilizing the country on a strong economic foundation; advancing a new political vision that transforms political practice and redefines the role of the politician through a renewed political culture; guiding society with equality, dignity, and compassion; and addressing persistent rural poverty.

The Government is also focused on strengthening welfare mechanisms to ensure access for vulnerable social groups so that no one is left behind; advancing the digital transformation of the economy through modern science and technology; and presenting Sri Lanka to the international community as a nation guided by a non-aligned foreign policy, enabling engagement based on trust with all countries and peoples.

This is a time for all of us to work together, setting aside narrow political interests in the pursuit of national progress. As we mark the 78th National Independence Day, I invite all Sri Lankans to stand united with renewed confidence and determination, and to join in the shared task of shaping a new era of national renewal.

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Members of the National Student Parliament meet PM

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Members of the National Student Parliament met Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya on Monday [02nd of February] at Temple Trees.

The representatives of the National Student Parliament, representing schools from across the island, visited the Temple Trees following their visit to the Presidential Secretariat and the Parliament.

Expressing her views on the occasion, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated,

“The new education reforms were recently initiated starting from Grade One. Discussions are currently underway to include students entering Grade Six this year into the new education reform process in the future. The education reforms will not be halted, and the government is committed to implementing them in a systematic manner without shortcomings”.

She further noted that the reforms are being carried out under five main pillars, with the government’s key objective being to reduce disparities and provide children with quality education, while also nurturing a socially responsible community enriched with human values such as compassion, love for the environment, and a strong sense of civic responsibility.

The occasion was attended by the Deputy Director of Education Kasun Gunarathne, along with officials from the Ministry of Education and representatives of the National Student Parliament.

[Prime Minister’s Media Division]

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Mrs. I.J. Aberathne appointed Director General of the Department of Trade and Investment Policy

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The Cabinet of Ministers has approved the resolution presented by the President, in his capacity as the Minister of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development, to appoint Mrs. I.J. Aberathne to the post of Director General of the Department of Trade and Investment Policy with immediate effect.

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