The claim
Transport Minister Bimal Rathnayake said that Aswesuma benefits removed from beneficiaries will have to be granted again when an election approaches.
Original review summary
The review found no credible reports, official statements, or evidence in the minister’s recent public statements that Rathnayake made the claimed remark. His media secretary also said the post was false and that the minister had never made such a statement.[S1]
Additional context
The review says payments for 315,000 Transitional-category households ended after April 2025, and payments for 425,000 Vulnerable-category households ended from June 2026. [S1]
It says households facing renewed financial hardship may submit verification information to re-establish eligibility. [S1]
Research date:
Sources and attribution
- [S1] Fact Crescendo Sri Lanka original review
Original review · Retrieved October 15, 2026