The National Election Commission has issued a directive to temporarily suspend the government’s decision to provide a relief package of essential items in view of the April festive season.
Accordingly, the Election Commission has informed the government to distribute the relief package after the Local Government polls.
The directive has been conveyed to the President’s Secretary and the Secretary to the Ministry of Trade, Commerce, Food Security & Co-operative Development.
Earlier in March, Cabinet approval was granted for the distribution of an essential goods package for the Sinhala and Tamil New Year Festival, from 01- 13 April 2025.
According to the government, a proposal was submitted under the budget 2025 by the President for the provision of an essential goods package for a concessionary price during the Sinhala and Tamil New Year Festive season.
As such, it was planned to provide a ‘timely food package’ containing essential food items valued at Rs. 5000 for only Rs. 2,500.
Appropriate beneficiaries among 812,753 candidates who had submitted new applications to receive Aswesuma benefits were to be selected as eligible recipients. (Islandnews)
