State welfare schemes will get a face-lift from mid next year with the enforcement of a new Welfare Benefits Law.
The new law attempts to better target deserving recipients by setting up one agency to coordinate all welfare spending.
Government says better targeting will help cut welfare spending by half.
Earlier benefit schemes like food stamps, Janasaviya and the Samurdhi have failed to reach the real poor, according to officials.
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rnIn the first of a series on poverty related issues, we take a look at attempts to de-politicize the welfare benefit system in the country.rn
rnGetting the dole will not be easy in the future.
Government welfare benefit applicants will have to fill a detailed application declaring everything from where they get their drinking water to a full declaration of assets.
A recommendation from the local politician wont be needed.
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rnUnder pressure to contain spending and wastage, the authorities are trying to better target welfare payments. Every year, the govern