President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has stressed the need to establish a stronger social security system based on a scientific assessment mechanism to ensure welfare programmes genuinely empower beneficiary families.
The President made these remarks during a pre-budget discussion held at the Presidential Secretariat to review projects implemented under the 2026 budget allocations of the Ministry of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment and to discuss proposals for the 2027 Budget.
During the meeting, President Dissanayake instructed officials to develop a comprehensive poverty eradication programme by integrating funds currently distributed among various institutions and directing them towards identified families in need, according to a statement issued by the President’s Media Division.
The President also reviewed the progress of projects carried out at the Pradeshiya Sabha level under the Prajashakthi Community Empowerment Programme and other rural development initiatives.
Officials informed the President that steps are being taken to support entrepreneurs with export potential through proposed loan and assistance schemes aimed at strengthening community-based economic development.
It was also revealed that plans are underway to transition 200,000 Aswesuma beneficiary families into productive economic activities within this year, reducing their reliance on welfare assistance. Programmes providing psycho-social and economic support to 16,000 families have already begun, officials said.
President Dissanayake highlighted the importance of moving low-income earners towards productive employment opportunities rather than maintaining long-term dependence on subsidies. He pointed out that sectors such as the plantation industry could provide opportunities for part-time employment.
The President said families with members who are disabled, elderly, or suffering from chronic illnesses and unable to contribute to the workforce would continue to receive government assistance. However, he emphasised that the contribution of able-bodied individuals receiving welfare benefits should also be directed towards the country’s production process.
He further instructed officials to prepare a Family Development Plan to identify the specific needs of each household, instead of allowing ministries to implement separate funding programmes without coordination.
The discussion also focused on empowerment projects supported by international development partners, including the Asian Development Bank and the World Bank, as well as government-funded programmes.
President Dissanayake directed officials to complete 10 planned daycare centres for working mothers and children with disabilities within this year, while preparing plans to establish 50 such centres across the country in the coming years.
Officials also informed the meeting that projects worth Rs. 283 million are being implemented to improve accessibility facilities for persons with disabilities at public locations including police stations, hospitals, and Divisional Secretariats.
The meeting was attended by Minister of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment Dr. Upali Pannilage, Deputy Minister Wasantha Piyatissa, Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, Chief of Staff to the President Prabath Chandrakeerthi, senior government officials, and representatives from relevant ministries.
