- The Samurdhi Social Security Fund established under the Samurdhi Programme which commenced with a view to alleviating poverty of the low income earners is implemented with effect from 1st January 1997 and its objective is to extend financial assistance to Samurdhi beneficiaries beset with unexpected problems during their journey towards economic development. As of now, 1,478,288 families receive monthly Samurdhi subsidy and a contribution of Rs.45/- out of it is debited to this Fund. Having taken into consideration the proposal made by Hon. Sajith Premadasa, the Minister of Housing and Samurdhi, to incorporate the said Fund, the approval of the Cabinet was granted to operate the said Fund as a Trust under the Trust Ordinance until it is formally incorporated.