5 June 2021 11:43 pm
The Government has so far spent a sum of Rs. 286 billion on COVID-19 related activities including welfare purposes for general public, Cabinet Spokesman Minister Keheliya Rambukwella said.
He expressed these views addressing the reporters after a discussion held at the Central Province Governor’s Office today.
“A sum of Rs. 130 billion have been spent on welfare purposes including Rs. 5000 for people right from the beginning of the pandemic while the rest of the funds has been spent on activities related to containing the virus including vaccination programme,” he said.
“The initiative of giving Rs.5000 has been carried out in a transparent manner despite the accusations leveled against the move. Accordingly, we have been able to provide the Rs.5000 relief for 4 million families so far,” the Minister added.
Meanwhile, he said they had been able identify the mistakes occurred at vaccination centres in the country and therefore they would able to carry out the vaccination drive in a more effective manner in future. (Sheain Fernandopulle)