Thursday Oct 02, 2025
Thursday Oct 02, 2025
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The Cabinet of Ministers at their meeting on Monday approved significant amendments to the ‘Aswesuma’ welfare scheme, extending financial support for vulnerable groups and adjusting payment structures to align with provisions in the 2025 Budget.
Addressing the post-Cabinet meeting media briefing yesterday, Cabinet Spokesman and Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa yesterday confirmed the latest revisions submitted by President Anura Kumara Disanayake in his capacity as the Finance, Planning and Economic Development to be officially published through a Gazette notification.
The ‘Aswesuma’ scheme, first implemented on 1 July 2023 underwent its last amendment via Extraordinary Gazette Notification No. 2415/66 on 21 December 2024.
The amendments include an extension of financial aid for transitional social categories listed in Schedule I of the scheme, with benefits continuing till 30 April 2025.
Separately, he said the allowances for persons with disabilities, kidney patients and elderly individuals will see a notable increase from next month.
“The monthly benefit for persons with disabilities and kidney disease will rise from Rs. 7,500 to Rs. 10,000 while the monthly assistance for elderly persons will increase from Rs. 3,000 to Rs. 5,000,” he announced.
Additionally, Dr. Jayatissa said the Government has extended the payment period for these allowances till 31 December 2025 to ensure continued financial support for affected groups. However, allowances for individuals in the transitional social category will cease after April 2025, with only disabled persons, kidney patients and elderly individuals within those families continuing to receive benefits till year end.
The ‘Aswesuma’ scheme, first implemented on 1 July 2023 underwent its last amendment via Extraordinary Gazette Notification No. 2415/66 on 21 December 2024.
