No, President AKD  Has Not Announced Rs. 50,000 for Each Household or Rs. 100,000 Grants for Individuals Over 18

After the NPP government came to power in September, many misleading social media posts targeted them. Some such posts are misleading.

Social Media Posts 

A viral claim circulating on social media alleges that President Anura Dissanayake has announced a financial grant of Rs. 50,000 for every household and Rs. 100,000 for every individual over 18. The claim is accompanied by links to websites that supposedly provide details on how to apply for these grants.

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We decided to do a fact-check on this.  

Fact-Check

No Official Reports or Announcements

We first checked mainstream media outlets and government announcements to verify whether such a program had been declared. There is no mention of any such grant in any reliable news report or official statement.

Official Clarification from the Cabinet

During the Cabinet press briefing held on December 3, 2024, Cabinet Spokesman, Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, addressed updates on the prevailing  Welfare Payment Scheme(Aswesuma) . Dr. Jayatissa stated that due to the ongoing economic challenges, the government is revising the existing Welfare Payment Scheme. However, the updates are as follows:

Increasing the monthly benefit allowances for the poor and extremely poor groups:

From Rs. 8,500/- to Rs. 10,000/-.

From Rs. 15,000/- to Rs. 17,500/-.

Extending the payment period for transitional social groups to March 31, 2025.

Extending the payment period for vulnerable social groups to December 31, 2025.

There was no mention of Rs. 50,000 for each household or Rs. 100,000 for individuals over 18 years old.More details can be read here 

Verification with the President’s Media Division (PMD)

The President’s Media Division (PMD) confirmed that no such grants have been approved or announced by the government. They also clarified that viral posts making this claim are baseless and misleading.

Fake URLs and Websites

The links shared in the viral posts do not lead to any official government website. Instead, they direct users to dubious and poorly structured sites with ambiguous URLs. This is a clear red flag indicating an attempt to mislead and exploit unsuspecting individuals.

Department of Government Information also released a statement on this and rejected viral social media claims.

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Conclusion

The claim that President Anura Dissanayake has announced Rs. 50,000 for each household and Rs. 100,000 for individuals over 18 is entirely false. The government has only announced amendments to the existing Welfare Payment Scheme, as explained above.