Govt to accelerate national poverty alleviation programme

The government has decided to accelerate the implementation of “National Programme for the Alleviation of Poverty” for ensuring the food security through providing essential food rational for the poverty-stricken population.

During the meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers held yesterday (04), the Internal Trade, Food Security and Consumer Welfare Minister has drawn the attention of fellow members to several measures that are to be  carried out through this programme.
Accordingly, under this programme, a basket containing essential food items will be provided to one million beneficiaries including differently-abled, widows, senior citizens without permanent income and sufferers from intense illnesses.

This basket of food, which is worth Rs. 1,007, will comprise tea, Naadu rice, milk powder (normal), dhal (legumes) and dried fish/dried sprats/locally manufactured canned fish valued at Rs. 500.

The programme will be implemented together with Lanka Sathosa, Co-operative sales network and a cluster of authorized trade outlets specially selected from rural areas.

On the 14th of January, the Cabinet Ministers approved the proposal tabled by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to execute a national program to eliminate poverty from the country.