The World Bank has found fault with the government for the manner in which Aswesuma, Sri Lanka’s premier Social Security Programme, is being implemented.
During a recent meeting, attended by Members of the Ministerial Consultative Committee on Finance, Planning and Economic Development, Members of the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Economic Development and International Relations, and officials of the Ministry of Finance, Economic Stabilisation and National Policies, World Bank representatives pointed out the absence of updated and accurate information pertaining to Aswesuma, Parliament sources said.
They have emphasised the pivotal importance of maintaining an updated and accurate data system when selecting eligible beneficiaries for the Aswesuma Social Security Programme. They have declared readiness to provide the necessary technical support and international expertise for this purpose.
They have pointed out that the establishment of a comprehensive data system for Social Security would enable the accurate identification of genuinely poor and vulnerable individuals and families.
They have noted that the mere inclusion of citizens’ information in the database will not automatically qualify them as Aswesuma beneficiaries. Instead, the data must be verified and analysed to correctly identify those eligible for relevant benefits.
They further emphasised that such a social security data system constitutes a productive investment for the country and, therefore, highlighted the need for continuous updating of the data system.