News
PM to submit supplementary estimate of Rs. 695 billion to Parliament today
By Saman Indrajith
The Committee on Public Finance yesterday approved a Supplementary Estimate for Rs.695 billion under the Budget Assistance Services and Emergency Responsibilities.
This proposal was submitted by Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe in his capacity as Finance, Economic Stabilisation, and National Policies Minister.
Prime Minister Wickremesinghe, in his capacity as Finance Minister, is scheduled to present the supplementary estimate to Parliament today (08).
Chairman of the Committee on Public Finance Anura Priyadarshana Yapa told the committee meeting held at the Parliamentary complex yesterday that the government had introduced an assistance package for Samurdhi beneficiaries, estate communities, pensioners and government servants, at the beginning of 2022, to reduce as much as possible the hardships faced by the public due to the adverse economic conditions.
Of the Rs 695 billion estimate, Rs 395 billion has been for recurrent expenditure while the remaining 300 billion rupees have been allocated for capital expenses.
Finance Ministry Secretary Mahinda Siriwardana explained to the public finance committee the need for the estimate and the areas where the funds to be utilized, parliamentary sources said.
The estimate, approved by the committee, is envisaged to spend Rs 87 billion to continue payment of the monthly allowance of Rs 5,000, given to government servants from January 2022, a sum of Rs 40 billion to continue the payment of Rs 5,000 to the pensioners and a sum of 15 billion to pay Rs 1,000 to the Samurdhi recipients.
In addition, Rs 140 billion was sought to pay Samurdhi benefactors, affected by the difficult economic situation, Rs 50 billion for the Ceylon Electricity Board to settle outstanding payments to the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation, Rs 12 billion for green agriculture, and Rs 50 billion for payments for fertiliser.
The estimate seeks Parliament’s approval to spend Rs 25 billion to provide food to the security forces, prisons and hospitals,due to the increase of prices, further Rs 4.5 billion for other recurrent expenditure, Rs 21 billion for loan interests. Parliament approval is also sought to spend Rs 250 billion for expenses connected with the Indian line of Credit to import essential items.
The Indian Naval Ship (INS) Sahyadri which arrived at the Port of Colombo on a formal visit on 04 Apr 25, departed the island today (07 Apr). The Sri Lanka Navy bade customary farewell to the departing ship at the Port of Colombo, following naval traditions.
During the ship’s stay in Colombo, crew members of INS Sahyadri took part in several programmes organized by the Sri Lanka Navy, aimed at enhancing mutual cooperation. In addition, they also explored some tourist attractions in the country. Further, personnel of Sri Lanka Navy had the opportunity to visit INS Sahyadri, gaining insights into her operational capabilities.
Latest News
Advisory for severe lightning issued for Sabaragamuwa, Central and Uva provinces and in Hambanthota district
The Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre has issued an Advisory for Severe Lightning for the Sabaragamuwa, Central and Uva provinces and in Hambanthota district.
The advisory issued at 02.00 p.m. today [07 April 2025] is valid for the period until 11.00 p.m. 07 April 2025
The public are warned that thundershowers accompanied by severe lightning are likely to occur at several places in for Sabaragamuwa, Central and Uva provinces and in Hambantota district. There may be temporary localized strong winds during thundershowers. General public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by lightning activity.
ACTION REQUIRED:
The Department of Meteorology advises that people should:
Seek shelter, preferably indoors and never under trees.
• Avoid open areas such as paddy fields, tea plantations and open water bodies during thunderstorms.
• Avoid using wired telephones and connected electric appliances during thunderstorms.
• Avoid using open vehicles, such as bicycles, tractors and boats etc.
• Beware of fallen trees and power lines.
• For emergency assistance contact the local disaster management authorities.
The report of the “Census of Population and Housing 2024,” conducted by the Department of Census and Statistics, was officially handed over to President Anura Kumara Disanayake this morning (07) at the Presidential Secretariat.
This preliminary report has been prepared based on island wide data collected between October and December 2024.
The report provides details on Sri Lanka’s population, its growth and the distribution of the population across districts.
The information gathered through the census is vital not only for the government but also for other institutions in formulating policies and development plans essential for the country’s progress. Significantly, for the first time in the history of census-collecting in Sri Lanka, data collection was carried out using tablet computers and user-friendly mobile devices.
The event was attended by Deputy Minister of Finance & Planning, Harshana Suriyapperuma, Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, Secretary to the Ministry of Finance Mahinda Siriwardana, Director General of the Department of Census and Statistics D.D.G.A. Senevirathne and several other officials.
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Advisory for severe lightning issued for Sabaragamuwa, Central and Uva provinces and in Hambanthota district
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