Schoolchildren will be provided a concession to purchase books and stationary, starting from next year, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya told a public meeting in Athurugiriya recently.
She said that this initiative will be carried out on the directive of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. The Premier said the support the country receives from the international community has further strengthened and the Government has been able to provide some concessions as per the instructions of the President. The Government has also increased the pension allowance and provide a subsidy to farmers and fishermen. “The Budget we will present next year will most probably focus on how to strengthen social security, protect retirees and control the cost of living,” she said.
“If health and education are to be improved, the burden cast upon the people will be eased. A large percentage of the government’s expenditure has to be allocated for food, health, education and transport.
