The President’s Senior Adviser on National Security and Chief of Presidential Staff, Sagala Ratnayake outlined the Government’s commitment to improve the lives of the low-income population at the launch of the second phase of the free rice distribution to low-income families at Velanai Divisional Secretariat auditorium in Jaffna on Friday.
He said that the Government has paid special attention on this matter as part of its program to strengthen the economy, which includes the implementation of a social security program.
The program, which focuses on the Tellipallai and Velanai areas of Jaffna, was implemented in conjunction with the Government’s paddy procurement and disposal program for the 2022/2023 Maha season, with the Army making a significant contribution.
“I am proud to share with you the President’s vision of providing 10 kg of rice to low-income people, which was started as a relief program for the poor and benefited paddy farmers by allowing them to receive the right price for their harvest,” Ratnayake said.
“Small paddy mill owners have also gained strength through this program. We initiated the first phase of this rice distribution before the Sinhala and Tamil New Year and now we are launching the second phase in the Jaffna district. It is noteworthy that the army is engaged in an agricultural program while performing its duties and after recovering their expenses, the rest of the money would be distributed among the poor people.
“The President’s aim was to start the first program in the Jaffna district, and I express my sincere gratitude to the Army, Air Force, Navy, and Police for taking steps to provide this rice to the people in need.”