NPP says Aswesuma appeals system a mere deception 

• Accuses Govt. of creating divisions and mistrust among people through program 
• Says Govt. MPs and Ministers appear to be collecting appeals from people to avoid public dissent
• Calls on Govt. to stop curtailing benefits of needy 
• Claims decision-makers are far removed from grassroots 

By Maneshka Borham

National People’s Power (NPP) National Executive Council Member Vijith Herath yesterday called the Government’s calls for the submission of appeals from citizens regarding the Aswesuma social welfare program a mere deception. 

“Officials or others cannot be faulted for the serious mistakes made when choosing beneficiaries. It is the fault of Government policy,” he said while addressing the media briefing held at the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) head office in Pelawatta yesterday.  Herath noted that Government MPs and Ministers are now collecting appeals from the public themselves. “This is merely yet another deceptive tactic to suppress any dissent,” he claimed.

“Over the span of six months, they have eradicated 400,000 families from the recipients of social welfare. By March 2023, an additional 400,000 vulnerable families were also excluded,” he revealed. “The remaining 800,000 families shall receive Rs. 8,500 for three years until the program’s conclusion,” he added. 

According to Herath during a crisis situation, it is the duty of the Government to intervene in implementing a strong social welfare program. “Instead they have curtailed the benefits of those who were beneficiaries to date. This must stop,” he said. 

Meanwhile also addressing the press conference, NPP MP Dr. Harini Amarasuriya accused the decision-makers of the Government of being far removed from the grassroots. 

“They requested the people to appeal through an App. But they are clueless as to if the people who are suffering due to poverty have the necessary technology-related knowledge or devices to do so,” she said. 

The MP noted that people were forced to pay a fee to communication centres to lodge their appeals and the Government only allowed for written appeals later after realising the failure of the system implemented. 

Amarusuriya also accused the Government of persecuting those who are already suffering in dire circumstances and attempting to gain political mileage from the situation. 

The MP warned the program could also lead to clashes within the community. “When people look into who made the cut to receive benefits, clashes will be inevitable,” she said. According to Amarasuriya, instead of fostering a sense of harmony, the Government is attempting to divide the people and create mistrust and chaos.