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Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa alleged that a large number of farmers are yet to receive the fertiliser subsidy and added that the Government should announce when they are planning to pay the subsidy for those who have not received it, at the earliest.
Speaking to the media, Premadasa said, “According to the Government, there are 996,992 farmers eligible for fertiliser subsidies.
These subsidies are provided in two phases: Rs. 25,000 divided into Rs. 15,000 and Rs. 10,000. However, so far, only 684,194 farmers, or 69 percent, have received the Rs. 15,000 subsidy, while 312,798 farmers, or 31 percent, have not received it. We need to know the date when the remaining 312,798 farmers will receive the Rs. 15,000 subsidy.”
Premadasa further stated, “Additionally, only 314,956 farmers, or 32 percent, have received the Rs. 10,000 subsidy, while 682,041 farmers, or 68 percent, have not received it. We need to know the date when the remaining 682,041 farmers will receive the Rs. 10,000 subsidy.”
The Opposition Leader also said that the implementation of the Rs. 25,000 subsidy has cost Rs. 24.9 billion, but only Rs. 9.9 billion, or 40 percent, has been allocated for it so far. He expressed concern over the insufficient allocation of funds and urged the Government to provide the full amount immediately to ensure that all eligible farmers receive their due subsidies.
Deneth Sankalana
