The State Minister of Finance, Shehan Semasinghe, has confirmed in Parliament that the government has no intention of touching Samurdhi savings. He made this statement during a debate on the scheme for the payment of welfare benefits on May 12th.

The minister also clarified that no decision has been made to liquidate Samurdhi Bank. He emphasized that the government's aim is to increase transparency in Samurdhi and update the list of beneficiaries.

Semasinghe stressed that Samurdhi is not just an institution that exists to distribute benefits. Its primary purpose is to empower people and uplift their livelihoods. He also revealed that international organizations such as the International Monetary Fund, World Bank, and Asian Development Bank have advised the government to increase welfare payments.

The state minister further added that these organizations are urging the government to provide benefits to deserving people without any political interference.