President announces more relief measures for public impacted by COVID-19

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has announced a new set of relief measures to those impacted by the spread of COVID-19. 

The measures include a Rs 5000 one-time allowance for low income and high risk families to overcome their current economic difficulties. 

A special circular detailing the relief measures was issued by President's Secretary Dr P.B. Jayasundara yesterday. 

Accordingly, 142, 345 persons receiving senior citizens' allowance and on waiting lists, 35, 229 persons receiving disability allowance who are on waiting lists, 160, 675 farmers registered under the farmers' insurance scheme and 13, 850 persons on waiting lists for allowance on kidney disease will be eligible for the one-time allowance. 

The President's Office stated that 1, 798, 655 Samurdhi beneficiaries and a further 600, 339 families on waiting lists will also receive the Rs 5000 allowance through Samurdhi banks / Samurdhi Authority. 

The Government will also take steps to deliver Thriposha and other nutritious foods directly to the homes of pregnent women and malnourished children. 

A total of 645, 179 pensioners who retired from the Government Service will also receive their pensions. Meanwhile, the April salaries of all 1, 500, 000 Government employees will be paid while deducting of loan payments from salaries has been suspended until further notice. 

The Government also announced that relief on leasing installments will be given to 1, 500, 000 owners of trishaws, school buses, trucks, van and other vehicles used for self-employment. 

The President's Office added that the Government will also provide relief for private businesses that are struggling to pay its workers due to economic difficulties brought on by the ongoing situation. 

The statement stressed that people who don't fall into the above categories but who are still considered to be vulnerable will also receive the same type of relief. This will be done under the supervision of PHIs, Social Services Development, Samurdhi Development, Agricultural Services Development, Family Health Workers and District Secretaries.