Considering the various shortcomings, the Government has introduced an advanced and transparent procedure to nominate new Samurdhi Beneficiary families from this year. As per a Circular issued by the State Minister of Samurdhi, Household Economy, Micro Finance, Self-Employment and Business Development Shehan Semasinghe on February 11, the selection of the new beneficiary families will be made immediately based on the existing quota at Divisional Secretariat Divisions level.
Once an application is sent by a low-income family to the area’s Samurdhi Development Officer, it will be considered by the Rural Committee and the qualified will be shortlisted. The Rural Committee consists of a religious representative, field officers of the area, a local political representative and a civil society representative.
The Divisional Secretary of the area has been entrusted with powers to take the final decision on the suitable applicants based on the list forwarded by the Rural Committee.
However, in case an applicant is not satisfied with the rejection of his or her application, an appeal could be made to the District Director of Samurdhi, District Secretary or the Additional Director General of Samurdhi and finally to the Director General of the Samurdhi Development Department.
