The Welfare Benefits Board has announced that the information census for the second phase of the "Aswesuma" welfare benefit program, directed by President Ranil Wickremesinghe, will take place from July 15 to 30. Following the qualification of over 1.8 million people in the first phase, an additional 450,924 applications have been received for this second phase. The identification process for eligible candidates will be completed within this month, according to the President’s Media Division (PMD).

In the initial phase, 1,854,000 individuals qualified, with the government allocating Rs.58.5 billion. The program allows for reapplication for those who missed or were unable to apply during the first phase.

The "Aswesuma" benefits will be distributed across four social categories: transitional, vulnerable, poor, and extremely poor. Allowances for the disabled, elderly, and kidney patients will continue as usual.

To improve field data collection, the Welfare Benefits Board has introduced a new Mobile App with features such as photo-taking, geo-mapping, and voice recording. This app will be piloted in the Colombo Divisional Secretariat Division.