A high-level discussion on advancing digital solutions for Sri Lanka’s social welfare benefits took place at the Presidential Secretariat Friday (01st November 24), led by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. The meeting emphasized the role of digitalization in enhancing the efficiency and transparency of social programs aimed at low-income families.
Key Discussion Points
- Paddy Storage Digitalization: President Dissanayake highlighted the urgent need to digitize Sri Lanka’s paddy storage systems, a move expected to stabilize rice prices and address longstanding issues surrounding rice shortages. This digital transformation aims to streamline storage management, ensure price consistency, and build long-term resilience within the agricultural sector.
- Expansion of Social Welfare Programs: The group discussed digital initiatives for expanding programs like “Aswesuma,” designed to support low-income families with financial assistance and essential resources. Digitizing these programs will improve access, reduce administrative delays, and ensure benefits reach those most in need.
- Upcoming Initiatives: Plans to digitize relief distribution for children from low-income families were also discussed, ensuring timely distribution of school essentials for the new term.
President Leads Discussion on Digitizing Social Welfare Programs and Paddy Storage in Sri Lanka
Additionally,
The digitization of the fertilizer subsidy distribution was highlighted, aimed at improving the accessibility and accountability of agricultural assistance for farmers.
Dialog Axiata’s Group Chief Executive Supun Weerasinghe, Millennium IT ESP’s Chief Technology Officer Mahesh Wijenayaka, and a panel of technology and welfare experts contributed insights into implementing these digital strategies.
Through these efforts, the government intends to drive a robust digital transformation across social welfare, aiming for a more inclusive, transparent, and effective support system for the nation’s most vulnerable groups.
Anura Kumara Dissanayake President's Media Division
Last modified: November 2, 2024
