COLOMBO (News 1st): Minister of Finance Basil Rajapaksa on Monday night (Jan. 3) announced a special economic package to improve the living standards of the people of the country.

He made this announcement at a Press Conference held at the Ministry of Finance.

Accordingly, a decision has been reached to provide an allowance of Rs. 5,000 per month with effect from January, for public servants, employees of the Statutory Board, retirees, and disabled war veterans, under the relief package.

Moreover, an additional allowance will be provided to Samurdhi recipients.

Essential food items and medicines will be exempted from taxes, Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa had noted.

Commenting on the relief provided for the estate sector, the Finance Minister said “15 kilograms of Wheat Flour will be provided for an estate family every month, at Rs. 80 per kilo.”

• COP28: Ranil returns to Sri Lanka following multiple climate sessions in Dubai
• Hambantota Port gearing up for major container handling
• Face to Face | Shanakiyan Rasamanickam | Bridging the divide
• When dissenters are targeted | Paikiasothy Saravanamuttu on The People’s Platform
• COP28: Ranil invites John Kerry to witness Sri Lanka’s commitment to combat climate change