The Grama Shakthi Programme, inaugurated under a concept of President Maithripala Sirisena, has become a beacon of hope to needy families in the country, Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development State Minister Dilip Wedaarachchi said.
He was addressing the media at a press briefing held in Tangalle, recently.
The State Minister said that low-income families have benefitted greatly from the programme. He added they have been able to obtain a substantial income after exploring various employment avenues.
Furthermore, Rs.36 million has been set aside for the Hambantota District alone under the Grama Shakthi Programme, State Minister Wedaarachchi said. The programme is active in 36 villages in the Hambantota District’s 12 divisional secretariat divisions, he said, adding that more projects under the programme were being carried out in the Galle and Matara districts.
He said that Hambantota has a population of 654,670, and of them, 7,450 people were in poverty. The district also has 52,874 Samurdhi recipients, he added.
The state minister said bank loans are being provided to micro and medium-scale entrepreneurs to start their businesses.