Sajith To Bring Poverty Alleviation Program

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sajith Premadasa, the presidential candidate for the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), has announced a comprehensive poverty alleviation program that aims to combine the best aspects of existing initiatives such as Janasaviya, Samurdhi, Aswasuma, and Gamidiriya. 

Premadasa emphasized that the poor in the country do not wish to remain dependent on subsidies indefinitely. 

With this understanding, he outlined a two-year program designed to eradicate poverty. Under this initiative, each poor family will receive a monthly subsidy of 20,000 rupees for 24 months.

In addition to financial support, the program will provide high-quality fertilizer at a subsidized rate of 5,000 rupees and ensure affordable fuel distribution. This will be done transparently to prevent black market issues, ensuring that farmers receive the necessary fertilizer. 

A QR code system will be introduced to offer fuel subsidies to farmers, fishermen, three-wheeler owners, school transport service providers, and mill operators. Premadasa also committed to writing off agricultural loans and addressing the long-standing issue of fair pricing for farmers.