Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya announced that the government plans to offer schoolchildren assistance for buying books and stationery starting next year. Speaking at a public meeting in Athurugiriya, she explained that this initiative has received approval from the President.
She highlighted that increased international support, along with the President's involvement, has allowed the government to provide additional relief. The Prime Minister mentioned recent increases in pension benefits and allowances for fishermen as part of these efforts. “Beyond short-term aid, our upcoming budget aims to improve social security, protect pensioners, and help ease the cost of living, focusing particularly on healthcare and education,” she emphasized.
Dr. Amarasuriya also noted that a significant portion of national spending is allocated to essentials like food, health, education, and transportation. “By controlling these areas, we can manage overall costs, and the budget will address these priorities,” she said. “With the start of the new school year, we’re working on plans to provide discounts on books, offering financial relief for families,” she emphasized.
