A viral message on social media claims that the President\u2019s Fund is offering financial assistance for selected diseases, including cancer, kidney diseases, brain surgeries, and others, confusing social media users into believing this is happening under a new government initiative. <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n FB<\/a> | Archived<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n We came across recent as well as older posts dating back several years, carrying the same image, indicating that the viral message has been circulating for several years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n We decided to do a fact-check on this. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Fact Check <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 1. Reviewing Mainstream Media<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n We reviewed mainstream media sources to verify whether the current government has announced any new decision or notice regarding the President\u2019s Fund. However, we could not find any news or announcements to support the claim of a new initiative.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2. Examining the President\u2019s Fund Act (No. 7 of 1978)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n We referred to the President\u2019s Fund Act of 1978<\/a>, which outlines how the fund operates. The Act states that the allocation of funds is based on decisions made by the Board of Governors, which includes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n While the Act does not specify any particular diseases, it authorises the Board to allocate funds for purposes deemed beneficial to the public. This includes:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 3. Contacting the President\u2019s Fund<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n We contacted the Assistant Secretary of the President\u2019s Fund, Roshan Subhash, to clarify the viral message. Here\u2019s what we learned:<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Source of the Viral Message<\/strong>: The viral message depicts an old billboard displayed inside the President\u2019s Fund building. This billboard was installed several years ago and is not related to any recent decision or notice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Accuracy of the Billboard Information<\/strong>: The facts mentioned in the viral message are accurate. However, they are not based on a new announcement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Number of Diseases Listed<\/strong>: The viral billboard lists 13 diseases eligible for assistance, while the official website of the President\u2019s Fund currently lists 37 types<\/a> of surgeries <\/strong>under the section \u201cDiseases Covered by the Fund.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Subhash explained that the Board periodically revises the list of priority diseases based on circumstances. Despite this, the fund can support any medical condition if deemed necessary by the Board, irrespective of whether it is listed.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 4. Application Process for Assistance<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n We also inquired about how to apply for assistance from the President\u2019s Fund. According to Subhash:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Applicants can download the required forms from the President\u2019s Fund website. The application can be downloaded from here.<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n Completed forms and required documents can be submitted via registered post or in person at the President\u2019s Fund office in Colombo.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Applicants can view the status of their applications via this status check link<\/a> on the President\u2019s Fund Website.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"\/](\"https:\/\/lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com\/docsz\/AD_4nXf2YJEk49VK7OQHd_uiBg90CEYIHR2T7TDmWBH7TDJ5TlnlCqxXAQQKn6gqyA3aLlEmtU1GkRfB9-FqDBiIEQhdK1F3i_Sw8oFDlW61PeLNLrRpNkrs33rBl6Y98CbTbRWebKmla0erak8zwL6nR2M?key=r5I5m9y4Cv-z8hkUUbSwNkTx\")
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