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Finance and Planning Deputy Minister Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma announced yesterday (21) in Parliament that the Government is implementing a programme to strengthen the social safety net and provide further relief to the public.
Responding to a question raised by MP Chitral Fernando regarding the Government’s measures to assist people affected by the conditions of the agreement signed with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the Deputy Minister highlighted several initiatives.
Dr. Suriyapperuma explained that the government has already taken numerous steps to alleviate the burden on affected citizens under the agreement with the IMF. These measures include:
Increasing the tax-free income threshold from Rs.1 million to Rs.1.5 million.
Exempting added-value taxes on yoghurt and milk products to improve children’s nutrition.Reducing export service taxes from 30 percent to 15 percent. Providing Rs.6,000 allowances to help children from economically struggling families purchase stationery.
Increasing fertiliser subsidies up to Rs.25,000.Granting subsidies for kerosene and diesel for fishermen and multi-day trawlers. Reviewing eligibility for benefits for those who have qualified for assistance but have yet to receive it.
“These measures are not enough to alleviate the challenges faced by citizens in an economy that was deliberately damaged,” the Deputy Minister stated. “However, they mark the beginning of relief efforts. The government is committed to further reviewing the situation and implementing a more comprehensive plan to provide additional support in the future.”
Ishara Mudugamuwa
