## Harsha de Silva Urges Radical Overhaul of Welfare & Education Spending 📈

Dr. Harsha de Silva, Chairman of the Committee on Public Finance (CoPF), has called for a fundamental shift in financial management to address systemic inefficiencies in Sri Lanka's social safety nets and schooling. • Welfare Inefficiency: Criticized the Samurdhi Department for wasteful spending. Out of a Rs. 27 Bn allocation in the 2025 Budget, Rs. 22 Bn (81%) is consumed by administrative salaries, leaving only Rs. 5 Bn for the poor. • Aswesuma Gaps: Cited research showing 58% of eligible families are excluded from the Aswesuma scheme, while many ineligible households receive benefits. Recommended a scientific pilot study of 3,000 families before extending the program to 2027. • Education & ICT: Highlighted a critical digital divide, noting over 2,500 schools lack smart boards. Urged a shift from physical construction to "public good" investments, specifically AI training and English proficiency for teachers. • Modernization: Stressed that "real poverty" is a lack of access to quality education and health. Called for an independent audit process to ensure wealth programs function as data-driven safety nets rather than political tools. Based on parliamentary statements from January 2026.