President Anura Kumara Dissanayake announced today (17) in Mannar that the government will extend the ‘Aswesuma’ welfare benefits program to an additional 400,000 families starting in June this year.
Speaking at a public rally, the President highlighted the government’s efforts to improve the country’s economic stability and enhance social welfare initiatives.
“After five to six years, we now have the largest foreign exchange reserves. The rupee has remained stable for the past six months. We have reduced fuel prices and lowered electricity tariffs. We are actively working to resolve the problems faced by the people. We have increased the salaries of government employees and enhanced the ‘Aswesuma’ welfare benefits,” President Dissanayake stated.
He further elaborated on a series of people-centric initiatives:
“In addition to increasing the allowance under the ‘Aswesuma’ program, we are expanding this support to 400,000 more families by June. We are providing school uniforms to all students and financial assistance for purchasing shoes for schools with fewer than 300 children. Furthermore, Rs. 6,000 has been granted to 1.6 million children for the purchase of school books.”
Emphasizing the government’s commitment to merit-based employment, the President added:
“For the first time in five to six years, we are recruiting 30,000 individuals into the public service. There is no longer a need to seek political influence—applicants can simply respond to public notices, sit for the relevant exams, and be selected based on merit.”
Addressing the importance of inclusivity in public service, President Dissanayake noted the shortage of Tamil-speaking officers in public institutions and law enforcement:
“There is a shortage of Tamil-speaking personnel in the public sector, including the police. To address this, we are recruiting 2,000 new police officers. I urge parents to encourage their Tamil-speaking children to join the police service—a respected profession responsible for maintaining law and order. We will ensure improved facilities and a dignified career path. Those proficient in Tamil are also encouraged to enter the wider public service. Let us work together to build a united nation.”
The President also acknowledged the hardships faced by communities in the Northern Province due to the civil conflict:
“During the war in the Northern Province, the government had to take over lands and close certain roads. The National People’s Power is committed to resolving these longstanding issues and building a country where people can live and work freely.”
Highlighting the government’s development efforts in the region, he stated that Rs. 1.5 million has been allocated for road construction in the Northern Province, with additional funding earmarked for promoting coconut cultivation.
In conclusion, President Dissanayake announced that discussions are currently underway with the Government of India to expedite the commencement of a ferry service between Mannar, Sri Lanka, and Rameswaram, India.
