Rs. 5,000 Monthly Allowance for Vulnerable Children

COLOMBO (News 1st): Starting tomorrow (15), the Ministry of Women and Child Affairs will begin disbursing a monthly living allowance of Rs. 5,000 to children under institutional care and those identified as street children, Minister Saroja Savithri Paulraj announced today.

Speaking at a media briefing held at the Department of Government Information, the Minister stated that the initiative aims to support 9,191 children currently living in child development centers, certified schools, and other state-run care facilities across the country.

The government has allocated Rs. 1 billion from the national budget to fund this program, which is designed to ensure the welfare and future development of vulnerable children.

Of the Rs.5,000 monthly allowance, Rs.3,000 will be directed to the institutions responsible for the children’s care, while Rs. 2,000 will be deposited into individual savings accounts. 

These accounts will be accessible to the children once they reach the age of 18, helping them pursue higher education or other future plans as independent citizens.

Minister Paulraj emphasized that the initiative reflects the government’s commitment to creating a nurturing environment for all children, especially those who have been abandoned or orphaned, ensuring they receive the same love, protection, and opportunities as others.

The program will be implemented across 356 child development centers island-wide.