President Ranil Wickremesinghe, speaking at the inauguration of the 2024 National Programme for Rice Distribution to low-income families, pledged that his government would prioritize the economic empowerment of all citizens, leaving no one behind.
Addressing attendees at the Ambagasdowa Public Stadium in Uva Paranagama on April 21st, the President emphasized the importance of inclusivity in the nation's economic development efforts, particularly in the wake of the recent economic crisis that affected all segments of society.
Highlighting the strides made in economic revitalization, President Wickremesinghe pointed to the increasing revenue from tourism and the ongoing modernization of agriculture as key drivers of the country's emerging economy.
He underscored the government's commitment to fostering a robust export agriculture sector through targeted initiatives.
As part of the programme, which aims to alleviate the economic burden on vulnerable families, 2.74 million low-income households across the nation will receive a monthly subsidy of ten kilograms of rice for the months of April and May.
In the Badulla district alone, 191,548 families in fifteen Divisional Secretariat divisions have been identified as beneficiaries of the rice subsidy.
Symbolizing the commencement of the distribution process, President Wickremesinghe personally handed bags of rice to 25 beneficiaries, representing the broader initiative to support a thousand families across the country.
