Minister Handunnetti Calls Aswesuma “Legal Begging,” Urges Shift Toward Self-Reliance

Industries and Entrepreneurship Development Minister Sunil Handunnetti sparked debate yesterday after describing the Aswesuma welfare benefits as “legal begging.” Speaking at a public meeting, the Minister urged citizens to move away from welfare dependency and instead work toward sustainable solutions for poverty eradication.

“Aswesuma beneficiaries should be ashamed. It is like begging legally,” Handunnetti said, emphasizing that a nation’s development cannot be built on perpetual welfare schemes. He stressed that Sri Lanka’s progress depends on cultivating self-reliance and entrepreneurship rather than accepting long-term subsidies.

The Minister further clarified that the government has no plans to continue the Aswesuma programme indefinitely or use it as a political tool. “The goal should be to end Aswesuma through a clear programme and plan. I would be happy to see the day when this subsidy no longer exists,” he said.

However, Handunnetti acknowledged that the transition must be gradual and considerate. “It is up to the people to decide — will poverty always exist, or will we challenge it and move forward?” he asked, calling on citizens to take collective responsibility in overcoming economic hardship.