August 28, Colombo (LNW): Sajith Premadasa, the presidential candidate for the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), has announced a comprehensive poverty alleviation program aimed at transforming existing welfare initiatives to better support the nation’s poor. The program seeks to integrate the best features of initiatives like Janasaviya, Samurdhi, Aswasuma, and Gamidiriya.
Premadasa emphasized that his plan is designed with the understanding that the poor in Sri Lanka do not wish to remain dependent on subsidies indefinitely. The proposed two-year program aims to eradicate poverty by providing substantial financial assistance and support for essential services.
Key aspects of the program include:
- Monthly Subsidy: Each poor family will receive a monthly subsidy of 20,000 rupees for 24 months, providing a financial safety net while encouraging self-sufficiency.
- Subsidized Fertilizer: To support agricultural productivity, high-quality fertilizer will be made available at a subsidized rate of 5,000 rupees, ensuring farmers have access to the resources they need.
- Affordable Fuel Distribution: A transparent system will be implemented to prevent black market exploitation and ensure that essential sectors receive affordable fuel. A QR code system will be introduced to manage fuel subsidies for farmers, fishermen, three-wheeler owners, school transport service providers, and mill operators.
- Debt Relief: Premadasa committed to writing off agricultural loans, which has been a long-standing burden on farmers, and addressing the issue of fair pricing for agricultural produce to ensure that farmers are compensated justly for their efforts.
