Rs.7,500 to be granted for 6 months for 3.2 mn. families

The government has planned to provide a maximum allowance of Rs.7,500 for a period of six months from the 1st of July to 3.2 million families affected by the economic crisis.

The programme will be implemented with the assistance of the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank.

Addressing a media briefing at the Government Information Department today, Minister Ramesh Pathirana said the government is taking steps to provide relief to those affected by the prevalent crisis.

He said the World Bank and the ADB has provided USD 200 million each for the programme.

The Minister noted the allowance will be granted to families affected by the crisis as well as those receiving aid under the Samurdhi programme.

He stated the allowance granted to Samurdhi recipients too will increase to Rs.7,500, and claimed the government will ensure this allowance is received by families hardest hit by the crisis.

Meanwhile, commenting on the programme to distribute fertiliser to farmers, Minister Ramesh Pathirana said the government has been procuring fertiliser over the past few weeks.

He claimed issues relating to the importation of fuel arose as a result of restrictions imposed by foreign nations.

Minister Pathirana claimed 65,000MT of urea fertiliser from India will be distributed promptly.

Pathirana further said fertiliser targeting the Maha season was procured adding it will be used for paddy, maize and tea cultivation.