Government Assures Welfare Benefits Will Not Be Suspended

13-Mar-2026

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The Government has assured that public sector salaries will not be reduced and welfare payments, including the Aswesuma benefit, will not be suspended under any circumstances.

Cabinet Spokesperson Minister Nalinda Jayatissa made this statement at the weekly Cabinet media briefing held at the Government Information Department in Colombo on March 10.

He stated that the Government has not taken any decision to reduce public servants’ salaries or to withhold the increased basic salary.

Similarly, welfare payments provided to the public, including Aswesuma and other relief programmes, will continue without interruption.

Relief measures provided to sectors such as agriculture, fisheries, and industry will also continue. The Government will take necessary steps to maintain economic stability while preparing for potential challenges in the future, he added.