Cabinet approves Supplementary Estimates of Rs. 695 billion

By Sandun A. Jayasekera

The Cabinet has given the green light to Prime Minister and Finance, Economic Stabilization and National Policies Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe to submit a Supplementary Estimates to Parliament for the rest of 2022 estimated at Rs. 695 billion.   Cabinet spokesman and Transport and Highways Minister Bandula Gunawardena said the government expects to continue to extend the assistance package for Samurdhi beneficiaries, Estate Communities, Pensioners and Government Servants launched at the beginning of 2022 to reduce as much as possible the hardships faced by the public due to the adverse economic conditions.   

“The supplementary estimates is meant to find money to continue these benefits to the most vulnerable groups in the country and also to cover the cost and secure the necessary funds to maintain the essential public services without hindrance,” Minister Gunawardena added.   

The supplementary estimate of Rs. 695 billion is presented to Parliament under the “Budget Assistance Services and Emergency Responsibilities” project of the National Budget Department, he said.