World Bank representatives have underscored the importance of maintaining an accurate and continuously updated data system to ensure the fair selection of eligible beneficiaries under Sri Lanka’s Aswesuma Social Security Programme, Parliament sources said yesterday.
The emphasis was made during a joint meeting, held at Parliament on 22 October, attended by members of the Ministerial Consultative Committee on Finance, Planning and Economic Development; the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Economic Development and International Relations; representatives of the World Bank; and senior officials of the Ministry of Finance, Economic Stabilisation and National Policies.
Minister of Rural Development, Social Empowerment and Welfare, Dr. Upali Pannilage, and Lakmali Hemachandra, MP, Chairperson of the Sectoral Oversight Committee, presided over the discussions. The World Bank delegation was led by Francesca Lamanna, Senior Economist for the Social Security Project, and Srinivas Varadan, Senior Social Security Specialist.
The World Bank officials noted that developing a comprehensive, technology-driven data system would enable accurate identification of genuinely poor and vulnerable individuals and families. They clarified that the mere inclusion of citizens’ information in the database would not automatically qualify them as Aswesuma beneficiaries. Instead, verification and analysis would be essential to ensure eligibility and transparency.
They further observed that establishing such a robust social security data platform would be a “productive investment” for Sri Lanka and called for regular updates to maintain its accuracy and relevance. The Bank also expressed readiness to extend technical assistance and international expertise to support the process.
Several Members of Parliament raised concerns over challenges faced in distributing Aswesuma benefits and proposed that local-level committees should be involved in identifying recipients. They also recommended publicly displaying beneficiary lists in each village to enhance transparency.
Officials responsible for the programme’s implementation acknowledged that some difficulties had arisen due to inadequate information being provided to field officers, including Divisional Secretaries and Grama Niladharis. They assured that corrective measures were being taken to improve communication and strengthen coordination at the local level.
The meeting was also attended by Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, Ministers, Deputy Ministers, MPs, and World Bank Advisor Shalika Subasinghe, alongside senior Finance Ministry officials.