Accurate data system must be maintained when selecting Aswesuma beneficiaries: World Bank

Colombo, Oct. 27 (Daily Mirror) - World Bank representatives have emphasised that an updated and accurate data system must be maintained when selecting eligible beneficiaries for the Aswesuma Social Security Programme. 

They further stated their readiness to provide the necessary technical support and international expertise for this purpose.

These observations were made during a joint meeting held recently at Parliament, attended by Members of the Ministerial Consultative Committee on Finance, Planning and Economic Development; Members of the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Economic Development and International Relations; other Members of Parliament; representatives of the World Bank and officials of the Ministry of Finance, Economic Stabilization and National Policies.

The meeting was held with the participation of Minister of Rural Development, Social Empowerment and Welfare Upali Pannilage and Lakmali Hemachandra, Chairperson of the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Economic Development and International Relations. The World Bank delegation included Ms. Francesca Lamanna, Senior Economist for the Social Security Project, and Srinivas Varadan, Senior Social Security Specialist, along with several others.

During the discussions, the World Bank representatives stated that establishing a comprehensive data system for social security would enable the accurate identification of genuinely poor and vulnerable individuals and families. 

They noted that the mere inclusion of citizens’ information in the database would not automatically qualify them as Aswesuma beneficiaries. Instead, the data must be verified and analysed to correctly identify those eligible for relevant benefits.

They further emphasised that such a Social Security data system constitutes a productive investment for the country and, therefore, highlighted the need for continuous updating of the data system.

Parliamentarians who took part in the discussion also expressed their views regarding issues encountered in distributing Aswesuma benefits. 

They suggested that the beneficiaries of Aswesuma be selected through local committees and that the list of selected beneficiaries be publicly displayed within the respective village to ensure transparency in the process.

Officials involved in implementing the Aswesuma programme stated that certain challenges had arisen due to inadequate information provided to the implementing officers, Divisional Secretaries and Grama Niladhari officers. However, they noted that measures are currently being taken to properly inform these officers of their respective roles and to obtain their cooperation in ensuring the successful implementation of the programme.