No plans to curtail Samurdhi benefits – President

President Maithripala Sirisena has stated that Samurdhi benefits will not be slashed in any way, speaking to the media at an event in Embilipitiya. 

The statements made by president Sirisena will out an end to the increased ambiguity of the Samurdhi benefits scheme.   

There was a stir in parliament yesterday (10) as JO members Siripala Gamlath and Priyankara Jayaratne protested against the deprivation of Samurdhi benefits to the people. The chaotic situation that ensued in parliament prompted the Speaker of Parliament to suspend the session for 25 minutes. 

Many opposition members questioned the government as to how they plan to revise the samurdhi list and how many of the impoverished families would be excluded. The government responded stating that all revisions will be made so that every impoverished family will be reached. 

The President’s statements today confirm that no adverse revisions will be made to the samurdhi scheme.