Relief given to public proves 100-day program a success, says Harsha
Saturday, 25 April 2015 00:00
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By Chamodi Gunawardana
Reductions in the prices of essential goods combined with multiple concessions to the general public through the fulfillment of pledges under the 100-day program have drastically reduced the cost of living, according to Deputy Minister of Policy Planning and Economic Affairs Dr. Harsha de Silva.
“In just 100 days, we increased the salary and increments given to public servants and we expect these measures to carry over into the private sector in the near future. We increased the interest rate being provided to senior citizens up to 15%, while raising Samurdhi disbursements by 200%,” de Silva stated.
He also cited an increase in Mahapola Scholarship donations up to Rs. 5,000 and further payments to pregnant mothers of Rs. 20,000 in order to ensure that they could meet their healthcare and nutritional requirements as further evidence of the success of the 100-day program.
“The price of gas was reduced by Rs. 300 while a kilo of rice is now being sold at a stable price because of our regulations, while tea producers can sell a kilo of tea at a stable Rs. 80. The Government was able to offer free wireless internet for Sri Lankans from all generations, particularly to our youth.
“We were also able to pass the National Medicine Act for the first time, this piece of legislation before the 100 days had started was delayed for the last 30 years,” he argued.
Concluding his remarks, de Silva stated: “These days we are working to establish an independent authority to control and develop micro loans and we have already prepared a Domestic Economic Policy with a view to developing entrepreneurship at the grassroots level. Therefore, nobody can say that this Government has failed. We will show the results of all of our work during the forthcoming election.”
