Sri Lanka, May 13 -- Around 100,000 families benefiting from the Aswesuma welfare scheme began earning stable incomes via alternative support initiatives, as the Government intends to phase out welfare payments for many recipients between 2027 and 2029. Speaking to local media, Deputy Minister of Rural Development, Social Security, and Community Empowerment Wasantha Piyathissa stated that while efforts continue to reduce long-term dependency, many families currently lack the financial stability required to end assistance. He noted that although specific exit timeframes exist under the agreement with the International Monetary Fund, current income levels for many remain insufficient to justify stopping payments.

The current administration...