News
Gandhara Buddhist heritage sites to be made more accessible to SL pilgrims
Through regular visits to Pakistan
The High Commissioner of Pakistan met with Venerable Uduwe Dhammaloka Thero, the Chief Incumbent of the Alan Mathiniyaramaya at his temple in Kirulapona and wished him on his birthday. The both of them cut a cake to celebrate the occasion.
Later, they discussed the historic relations between Pakistan and Sri Lanka and ways to further strengthen people-to-people contacts. They also underscored the importance of interfaith harmony and pluralism especially in multi-ethnic and multi-religious countries like Sri Lanka. The High Commissioner apprised him of the proposed Buddhist Heritage Trail of the Government of Pakistan, which was well-appreciated by the monk.
They also spoke about the precious relics of Lord Buddha preserved in Pakistan, which are a source of great reverence for Buddhists. Both stressed on the need for these relics and Gandhara Buddhist heritage sites to be made more accessible to Sri Lankan pilgrims through regular visits to Pakistan.
The High Commissioner also visited the Nagananda International Buddhist University in Kelaniya and met the Executive Director, Venerable Dr. Bodagama Chandima. Both spoke of the Knowledge Corridor between Sri Lanka and Pakistan including the fully funded Allama Iqbal Scholarships being offered by the Government of Pakistan to Sri Lankan students.
Ven. Dr. Chandima showed his keen interest in the scholarship program as well as other training programs being offered by Pakistan.
The High Commissioner appreciated the University and underscored the need for the educational institutes of Pakistan and Sri Lanka to maintain close academic linkages.
The Aswasuma Welfare Benefit payment Scheme has been implementing from 01-07-2023 and this scheme has been finally amended by the Extra Ordinary Gazette No 2415/66 dated 21-12-2024.
Accordingly, the Cabinet of Ministers has approved the proposal presented by the President, in his capacity as the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, to publish the following through a Gazette Notification, amending the benefits provided under the presently empowered Aswasuma Welfare Benefit payment Scheme within the provisions allocated by the budget estimate for the year 2025.
• To extend the period of entitlement of benefits for the transitional social category included in schedule 1 of the Aswasuma Welfare Benefit payment Scheme up to 30-04-2025.
• To increase the monthly assistance payment from Rs. 7,500 to Rs. 10,000 and Rs. 3,000 to Rs. 5,000 provided to persons with disabilities and receiving treatment for kidney diseases and elderly persons, respectively, that are included in Schedule II of the said scheme and to
implement the said decision from April 2025.
• To extend the period of payment provided for the disable persons, kidney patients, and elderly persons given in the Schedule II, up to 31-12-2025 subject to the above proposals.
• Even though the payment of allowances under the transitional social category will be stopped after April 2025, the period of payment for disabled persons, kidney patients, and elderly persons, of these families will be extended up to 31-12-2025.
• Payment of relevant eligible persons by inclusion of newly forwarded applications of disabled and kidney patients subject to the maximum limit up to 31-12-2025.
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Cabinet approves amendments to Aswasuma Welfare Benefit payment Scheme
Fertilizer, financial subsidy to farmers who are cultivating the paddy in the Yala season 2025
Cabinet approves the submission of amendments for the Personal Data Protection Act No. 9 of 2022
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