News Today: More Than 400,000 Families to Receive Aswesuma Benefits

In a major announcement, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake confirmed that over 400,000 additional families will begin receiving Aswesuma benefits starting June 2025. This significant expansion of the welfare program was unveiled during a rally held in Mannar, in support of National People’s Power (NPP) candidates contesting the upcoming Local Government (LG) Elections.

The Aswesuma program aims to provide direct economic support to low-income families across Sri Lanka. With this latest move, the number of beneficiaries will grow substantially, reflecting the government’s commitment to improving social protection and economic resilience in the face of continuing challenges.

Addressing the crowd, President Dissanayake stated, “Our goal is to support the most vulnerable in our society. This is just one step in a broader effort to ensure that no family is left behind.”

In addition to the welfare announcement, the President addressed future renewable energy initiatives in the region. He emphasized that all upcoming wind power projects in Mannar would be thoroughly assessed for environmental and social impact before approval.

“We will not repeat the mistakes of the past,” he said. “Development must be sustainable and it must serve the people – not come at their expense.”

The President acknowledged that prior renewable energy projects were implemented without adequate public consultation or environmental assessments, a shortcoming his administration is determined to avoid moving forward.

This announcement signals a shift toward community-inclusive development and reflects the administration’s prioritization of transparency, sustainability, and social justice.