Fourth dose of Rs. 5,000 allowance kicks off

Samurdhi beneficiaries in Rajagiriya yesterday began receiving the Rs. 5,000 allowance under the supervision of Sri Jayewardenepura Divisional Secretary Kasun Epa Seneviratne – Pic by Pradeep Pathirana 

The Government yesterday kicked off the provision of Rs. 5,000 allowance for the fourth time to people affected by COVID-19 pandemic.

State Minister of Samurdhi, Household Economy, Micro Finance, Self-Employment and Business Development Shehan Semasinghe said the allowance is given to low income families who receive various Government allowances as well as families who are unable to sustain their livelihood due to the existing travel restrictions.

The Government expects to spend nearly Rs. 30 billion on this relief effort.

For a family receiving benefits under any Government subsidy scheme, if the benefit currently received is less than Rs. 5,000, the relevant shortfall will be paid under this round.

Only one allowance will be given for a family and the Samurdhi allowance, which is paid on the 7th of every month, will be paid along with the relevant arrears.

During the previous waves of COVID-19, this allowance was given in a situation where the country was closed. However, only travel restrictions are in effect in the country this time and some individuals have been allowed to carry out their economic activities, the State Minister said.

Therefore, it is the responsibility of the Rural Committees to determine exactly who should receive the relevant allowance. The Minister pointed out that the relevant allowance is ready to be given as soon as the approval of the relevant Divisional Secretary is obtained on the recommendation of the Rural Committees.