PM cautious in allowing Samurdhi workers to contest LG polls

Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa has instructed that proper procedures be followed in allowing Samurdhi workers to contest upcoming local government polls.

Premier Rakapaksa said so at a Ministerial Consultative Committee meeting on Finance at the parliament complex on Tuesday (9). He intervened during the discussion on the need to pave the way for Samurdhi workers to contest LG polls. A law enacted in 2017 prohibits them from contesting.

State Minister of Samurdhi, Household Economy, Micro Finance, Self-Employment and Business Development Shehan Semasinghe assured that Samurdhi beneficiaries wouldn’t be increased any further under any circumstances. The State Minister also assured that Samurdhi assistance would be provided in a transparent manner without any political interference.

The meeting was also told that Rs. 10,000 million had been allotted to empower 200,000 Samurdhi beneficiary families under a programme meant to help them generate income.

State Minister Semasinghe also said that steps would be taken to grant the rights of the public servants, including the pensions to Samurdhi officers in accordance with the Vistas of Prosperity and Splendor Government policy.

State Minister of Money & Capital Market and State Enterprise Reforms Ajith Nivard Cabraal, Deputy Chairperson of Committees Angajan Ramanathan and Members of Parliament Harsha de Silva, (Prof.) Ranjith Bandara, Sudath Manjula, Sahan Pradeep were present at the meeting (SF)