The Ministry of Education says that the program providing allowances for purchasing school books and supplies will not be limited to families receiving Aswesuma welfare benefits.

The Ministry’s Secretary Nalaka Kaluwewa said that Cabinet approval has been granted to provide these allowances to children who are not receiving Aswesuma welfare, but are facing severe economic difficulties.

He added that the process of selecting students from low-income families will be expedited in the coming days.

Meanwhile Prime Minister Dr Harini Amarasuriya, referencing data from the Department of Census and Statistics, highlighted that due to the economic crisis that prevailed in the country, 55% of schoolchildren are still facing negative impacts on their education.

She also pointed out that children in rural and plantation areas have been affected the most.

Among the affected children, 53.2% have completely stopped purchasing school supplies.