Government presents disbursement report of COVID-19 fund

The President’s Media Division today published the disbursement report of the COVID – 19 Healthcare and Social Security Fund that has reached Rs. 1,668,379,121.74 as of October 31, 2020.

It said a sum of Rs. 402,190.701 out of the total amount has been allocated/spent for the following activities.

The Fund was established on March 23, 2020 following a decision taken by the Cabinet of Ministers on March 18, 2020. The management of the Healthcare and Social Security Fund is carried out by a board of highly skilled professionals representing areas of administration, finance and banking.

The board headed the Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka Prof. W. D. Lakshman comprises of Ministry Secretaries, Director General of Health Services, audit and banking experts.

When an institution requires funds for activities related to controlling COVID, with the approval of the committee, the money is spent by the relevant institution in accordance with the government procurement regulations. Thereafter the Fund reimburses the particular amount. Under no circumstances the committee engages in a direct purchase or direct expenditure. The Accounts Branch of the Presidential Secretariat is entrusted with the responsibility of auditing the Fund and these activities are subjected to comprehensive auditing by the Auditor General. (Sheain Fernandopulle)