News

Accepting applications for ‘Aswesuma’ 2nd phase, commences

Published

1 year ago

February 15, 2024

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Chairman of the Welfare Benefits Board, Jayantha Wijeratne, announced that applications for the second phase of ‘Aswesuma’ will be accepted from today (15) until March 15.

Eligible individuals will receive ‘Aswesuma’ benefits without any influence.
Additionally, he noted that families who did not apply for the first phase of ‘Aswesuma’, and also those who did not participate in the housing information census though submitted application, can apply for the second phase of Aswesuma.

Chairman of the Welfare Benefits Board, Jayantha Wijeratne, shared these insights during a press conference held today (15) at the Presidential Media Centre to announce the commencement of applications for the ‘Aswesuma’.

During the second phase of ‘Aswasuma’, benefits are anticipated to be extended to 2.4 million families. It was emphasized that expediting the benefits process requires submitting applications with accurate and truthful information. Additionally, he also stressed the necessity of including the National Identity Card number of applicants during the application process for the second phase to ensure timely provision of benefits within the specified timeframe.

Hence, the Department of Registration of Persons has initiated a special program at the Divisional Secretariat level to expedite the issuance of ID cards for applicants lacking national identity cards.

Applications for the second phase of Aswasuma can be submitted via online system or through Divisional Secretariats or from Grama Niladhari. Applicants have the option to complete the application form in Sinhala, Tamil or English on the website www.wbb.gov.lk .

For individuals unable to apply online, model applications are accessible through Divisional Secretariats or civil organizations and there is no charge for obtaining these applications.

It was highlighted that individuals who applied for the first phase but did not qualify for benefits, as well as those who missed participation in the appeal tests, will have an opportunity for re-certification in the future. Further information can be obtained through the hotline number 1924.

The press conference was attended by members of the Welfare Benefits Board, including H. T. K Pathmasiri, Kumar Dunusinghe, K. H. J. Muller, R. Aneez, as well as Additional Commissioner (Operations) of the Welfare Benefits Board R. R.R. Rajapaksa and Additional Commissioner (Finance) E. A. Weerasena.

(President’s Media Division)

News

Japan grants US$ 2.5 mn. to SL to strengthen anti-corruption mechanisms

Published

2 hours ago

July 1, 2025

editor

The Government of Japan has granted USD 2.5 million to Sri Lanka to strengthen anti-corruption mechanisms under a 3-year project for Promoting Prosecution of Corrupt Practices through the Establishment of Anti-corruption Mechanism.

Japanese ambassador in Sri Lanka – Mr. Akio Isomata and UNDP resident representative in Sri Lanka – Ms. Azusa Kubota, in the presence of Justice Minister – Harshana Nanayakkara, launched ‘The Project for Promoting Prosecution of Corrupt Practices through the Establishment of Anti-Corruption Mechanism’

The three year initiative is supported by the Government of Japan and implemented by the UNDP Sri Lanka, working in close collaboration with the (CIABOC) and the Ministry of Justice.

The project aims to promote transparency, accountability and integrity in governance and business practices through effective and institutionalised preventive mechanisms in the public and investment promotion sectors, strengthen institutions to enhance corruption related investigative processes, improve coordination with stakeholders and ensure quality of prosecutions, empower citizens to effectively mobilise against corruption and enhance social accountability.

The project also seeks to engage and empower youth, children and journalists to actively contribute to the fight against corruption and promote a culture of integrity.

News

3 ex-DMT officials including ex-commissioner, remanded

Published

3 hours ago

July 1, 2025

editor

Former Commissioner General Nishantha Weerasingha and two other former officials of the Department of Motor Traffic (DMT) have been arrested by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC).

The arrests were made as part of an investigation into vehicles that were illegally registered with the Department of Motor Traffic without receiving proper clearance from Sri Lanka Customs, CIABOC said in a statement.

According to CIABOC, former Commissioner General Nishantha Weerasinghe has been arrested for granting approval to issue a number plate for a jeep.

Additionally, a former Assistant Director of Information Technology at the department and a clerk have also been taken into custody for facilitating the illegal data entry and executing it.

The suspects were produced before the Colombo Magistrate’s Court and were ordered to be remanded until July 08.

News

Ex-Immigration Controller pleads guilty

Published

5 hours ago

July 1, 2025

editor

Controller of Immigration and Emigration – Harsha Illukpitiya, today (July 01) unconditionally pleaded guilty before the Supreme Court in a case related to contempt of court.

The charge stemmed from his failure to comply with a court order related to the e-visa issuance process.

The Supreme Court announced that sentencing will take place on July 24.