Allowing School Children to Use Allowance for Stationery Purchases
The “Household Survey on the Impact of the Economic Crisis – 2023,” conducted by the Department of Census and Statistics, reveals that the economic crisis has had a significant impact on children’s education. According to the survey, 55 percent of school children have been negatively affected, with a higher percentage observed in rural and estate areas. Additionally, 53.2 percent of affected children have reduced or completely stopped purchasing school stationery, while 26.1 percent are re-using previously used stationery.
In response to these challenges, the government has decided to provide an allowance to assist with the purchase of school stationery at the beginning of the 2025 school year. An allowance of Rs. 6,000.00 per child will be provided to school children from Aswesuma families, with the General Treasury making arrangements to deposit the funds into their Aswesuma bank accounts by 2024.12.27.
Furthermore, the Ministry of Education, Higher Education, and Vocational Education will receive the necessary allocation in 2025 to extend this allowance to other eligible school children under a suitable mechanism, enabling them to acquire stationery worth Rs. 6,000.00 per child.
Through this program, the government aims to alleviate the financial burden on parents for their children’s education expenses, ensuring the continuity of their education and securing their future.
A survey conducted by the Department of Census and Statistics in 2023 shows that the economic crisis has had a significant impact on children’s education in Sri Lanka, with 55% of school children being affected. As a result, the government has decided to provide an allowance of Rs. 6,000.00 per child for the purchase of school stationery at the beginning of the 2025 school year. The allowance will be distributed through Aswesuma bank accounts, with the aim of easing the financial burden on parents and ensuring the continuous education of vulnerable school children. This initiative is expected to provide relief and support for families during the economic crisis.
