📈 JVP Minister Slams Aswesuma Welfare as 'Legal Begging'

Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Minister Sunil Handunneththi (JVP/NPP) has sharply criticised Sri Lanka’s welfare culture, urging citizens to reject long-term State aid dependency. • Welfare Criticism: The Minister controversially labelled the acceptance of Aswesuma benefits as "legal begging," stating that beneficiaries "should be ashamed" and arguing dependency hinders national development. • Poverty Solution: Handunneththi called for a decisive shift towards sustainable, productive solutions for poverty eradication, rather than relying on recurring welfare handouts. • Government Stance: He clarified that the NPP-led Government does not intend to sustain the Aswesuma program indefinitely or use it for political gain. • Future Goal: The Minister expressed hope for the day when the subsidy "no longer exists," stating the goal is to end Aswesuma through a clear program and plan, encouraging people to choose independence over perpetual dependency.