Fast-Track ID Drive for Elderly Welfare Payments

COLOMBO (News 1st): A fast-track programme has been launched to issue National Identity Cards to low-income senior citizens who have been unable to receive the elderly allowance due to lack of identification. 

The Ministry of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment says affected seniors are urged to urgently contact their Grama Niladhari, Community Empowerment Officer, or Elders’ Rights Promotion Officer.

Under the national programme implemented by the National Secretariat for Older Persons, senior citizens above 70 years from low-income families are entitled to a monthly allowance of Rs. 5,000.

The allowance, which was earlier Rs. 3,000, has been increased to Rs. 5,000, while the number of beneficiaries is also set to be expanded up to one million.

At present, 698,790 beneficiaries receive payments through ‘Aswesuma’ accounts, while 232,496 receive payments via post offices. 

However, 76,716 eligible seniors are still excluded due to the absence of National Identity Cards.