The Cabinet on Ministers today (13) approved a proposal submitted by President Ranil Wickremesinghe aimed at reducing the difficulties faced by the people and providing immediate relief in the face of the current economic situation, the President’s Media Division reported.

Accordingly, the Cabinet has also approved a measure to provide 10 kg of rice to 02 million low-income families each in March and April. This will provide immediate relief to families in need and help improve their overall well-being, a release said.

It has also been decided that the gratuity arrears owed to 18,000 retired government servants will be paid out in instalments using liquid cash. This move is expected to provide much-needed relief to retired government employees waiting for their rightful benefits since April 2022.

The Ministry of Women, Child Affairs and Social Empowerment are also taking important steps to address malnutrition and improve the well-being of vulnerable groups in the country. As part of this effort, measures have been taken to continue providing critical assistance to those in need, including:

• Monthly allowance for pregnant mothers,
• Monthly stipend to those facing food insecurity and the elderly and disabled,
• Financial assistance to kidney patients,
• And for granting Samurdhi relief, without hindrance.

These measures aim to provide immediate relief to those in need and help alleviate the difficulties faced by vulnerable groups, the PMD said, adding that the government is committed to improving the standard of living for all its citizens, especially those who are most in need.

The Cabinet has also made a crucial decision to prioritize the purchase of essential medicines and allocate the necessary funds to the Health Ministry, it said.

--PMD