Govt. says 58% of households seeking financial assistance under various social welfare schemes

28 October 2022 08:55 am - 10 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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While making the case for tax hikes, State Minister of Finance Ranjith Siyambalapitiya revealed that nearly 4 million families, which make up nearly 58 percent of the country’s households are seeking financial assistance from the government under various social welfare schemes to survive from the on-going economic crisis.

“At the moment, there are 2,278,817 families who come under various social welfare schemes. In addition, there are 1,033,940 families who have applied for Samurdhi allowance. Altogether, 3,911,757 families accounting for 57.5 percent of the country’s households are seeking financial assistance to continue with their lives. It’s our responsibility to support them under the current strenuous environment,” Siyambalapitiya said, issuing a media statement yesterday.

With food inflation hovering around 100 percent, the State Minister stressed that the only remaining option is to increase taxes in order to support these families in need of financial assistance, as the money printing would further fuel inflation.

Although, the government was able to record Rs.171.45 billion revenue in September this year, the Minister pointed out that State expenditure remained high at Rs.406.61 billion or 237 percent above the State revenue, including recurrent expenditure amounting to Rs.237.65 billion.

“We are aware that even taxpayers are in a somewhat strenuous position right now. As a government, we can only review, grant reliefs while being flexible as much as possible,” he added. In addition, the government recently deployed a new welfare benefit information system which is set to come into effect from next year onwards to provide better targeted social welfare benefits by way of direct cash transfers to vulnerable groups in society with possible funding from multilateral donor agencies.

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Comments - 10

Jude Friday, 28 October 2022 09:11 AM

People are suffering from hunger, kids don't get milk coz parents can't afford to buy milk powder!! Can't understand why parents put up with this shit!??? Take One by one out yeah the 225!! Otherwise this situation not gonna change!!

Sunil Friday, 28 October 2022 10:03 AM

Is this the prosperity that goat promised.

Mizaru Friday, 28 October 2022 10:23 AM

This is how Sri Lanka has been government for the past 75 years. Cheers!

BuffaloaCitizen Friday, 28 October 2022 10:25 AM

But the major reason for this crisis is mainly due to incompetent bad governance and decision making which was done by Ministers. So how can the people be blamed and taxed? 58% of households are asking for welfare due this creation. Rajapakse or Daisy Archie or even you will not feel the pinch of the taxes nor belong to the 58% in crisis. You are still enjoying the perks of life despite all the damage done. Further, we do not have hero's but only cowards in this country who can teach a lesson to you fellows.

Quolp Friday, 28 October 2022 01:03 PM

This bugger helps IMF condition to work with RANIL potentially receiving $2.9 Bn bailout whereby putting grieved people to aggrieved manner. This Siyambala bugger began promoting "YES" votes for Nov-14 Budget to be submitted by Ranil govt.

Fernandez Friday, 28 October 2022 01:05 PM

The whole lot of CORRUPT guys SHOULD BE BURIED ALIVE.

Simba Rusty Friday, 28 October 2022 01:11 PM

What have you done to cut down on Government Expenditure? What have you done to widen the Tax Net? Are you and the other MPs paying the same tax on salary benefits? Are other Government Servants paying the same tax on salary benefits

Preshi Rem Friday, 28 October 2022 01:49 PM

Can you please explain what you have done to cut state costs? please list the amount you have saved

Sam Friday, 28 October 2022 02:14 PM

" Rs.171.45 billion revenue in September this year, the Minister pointed out that State expenditure remained high at Rs.406.61 billion or 237 percent above the State revenue" Reduce state expenditure is the simple solution, Everyone knows that half of the state employees can be removed and there will still be too many. Fix this first and people may pay tax willingly.

Siyapala Gonkanuwa Monday, 31 October 2022 03:56 AM

Do not talk Pacha Siyambalaya!! Make your son first not to waste public funds - Obey the law and order of the country!! You must be receiving PIN PADI - Thopita Hena Hatha

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Govt. says 58% of households seeking financial assistance under various social welfare schemes

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