Free rice distribution programme initiated from Colombo District

The programme to distribute free rice to 2.9 million low-income families commenced on Sunday (26) in the Colombo District under the patronage of President’s Senior Adviser on National Security and Chief of Presidential Staff Sagala Ratnayake.

The programme was carried out with a focus on the Dematagoda, Narahenpita and Wellawatta areas which fall under the Thimbirigasyaya Divisional Secretariat Division.

As part of the programme, 995 recipients received bags of rice at the Mihindu Seth Medura Community Hall in Dematagoda, 448 recipients received rice   at the Dabare Mawatha Community Hall in Narahenpita, and 169 recipients were given rice at the Ranjan Wijeratnapura Community Hall in Wellawatte.

The distribution of free rice to low-income families for two months is part of the Government’s 2022/2023 Maha Season rice purchase and rice stock disposal programme, which was implemented on the instructions of President Ranil Wickremesinghe. Each family will receive 10 kgs of rice per month during this period.

Initially, the rice subsidy was intended for two million families, but it was later expanded to 2.9 million families as per the directives of the President.

The programme’s first phase will be rolled out in several districts, including Colombo, Gampaha, Kalutara, Kandy, Ratnapura, Galle and Matara.

Addressing the programme held at the Mihindu Seth Medura Community Hall in Dematagoda, Sagala Ratnayake explained how Sri Lanka was able to turn a corner during a difficult period with the assistance of the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

Ratnayake emphasized that the country had faced an economic crisis due to the wrong decisions made in the past, but now under the leadership of President Ranil Wickremesinghe, the country is following a more appropriate economic programme. During the event, Ratnayake interacted with the attendees and listened to some of the issues they were facing.Colombo District Secretary K.G. Wijesiri and senior officials from the Ministry of Social Empowerment were present at the event.

 

 

by Daily News Sri Lanka

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