The Ministry of Finance Sri Lanka says the census related to the first phase of the Aswesuma Welfare Benefits Programme is scheduled to conclude on May 31.
The Ministry stated that the success of the census process depends on the public providing full cooperation to census officers visiting households across Sri Lanka.
Authorities urged residents to provide only truthful and accurate information during the data collection process.
According to the Ministry, accurate information is essential to properly identify individuals and families genuinely eligible for welfare benefits.
The Welfare Benefits Board Sri Lanka also stated that mechanisms have been developed to verify information provided through other official sources and methods.
Officials warned that providing false or misleading information in order to obtain welfare benefits is a punishable offence.
Under the relevant provisions, individuals found guilty of supplying false information could face imprisonment for a period of up to one year.
Accordingly, the Welfare Benefits Board has requested all applicants to ensure that only correct and verifiable information is provided to census officers before the May 31 deadline.
