Relief allowance for May to be paid from Monday

COLOMBO (News1st): The monthly relief allowance of Rs 5000 for destitute families for May will be paid from Monday, the President's Office said in a statement. These payments will be completed before the Vesak Full Moon Poya day which will fall on May 7, according to the statement. The relief distribution programme initiated in March since the outbreak of the coronavirus has been mired in issues, with allegations of political interference in choosing beneficiaries. On Sunday, the President's Office said that people qualified as beneficiaries, and on waiting lists will receive this allowance for May. Families which; benefit from a pension less than Rs 5000, constitute members who have received less or no wages, and depend on the plantation industry, were among those qualified to receive this allowance, a circular issued by the Prime Minister's Office showed.