June 01, Colombo: The Rs. 5000 allowance will be given from tomorrow (June 02) for the fourth time to the people affected by the third COVID-19 wave, Shehan Semasinghe, State Minister of Samurdhi, Household Economy, Micro Finance, Self-Employment and Business Development said.

The Minister pointed out that this allowance is given to low income families who receive various government allowances as well as families who are unable to sustain their livelihood due to the existing travel restrictions.

The government expects to spend nearly 30 billion rupees on this relief, the State Minister said at a media briefing held at the State Ministry auditorium in Battaramulla today (01).

For a family receiving benefits under any government subsidy scheme, if the benefit currently received is less than Rs. 5,000, the relevant shortfall will be paid under this round.

Only one allowance will be given for a family and the Samurdhi allowance, which is paid on the 7th of every month, will be paid along with the relevant arrears starting from tomorrow.

During the previous waves of COVID-19, this allowance was given in a situation where the country was closed. However, only travel restrictions are in effect in the country this time and some individuals have been allowed to carry out their economic activities, the Minister said.

Therefore, it is the responsibility of the Rural Committees to determine exactly who should receive the relevant allowance. The Minister pointed out that the relevant allowance is ready to be given as soon as the approval of the relevant Divisional Secretary is obtained on the recommendation of the Rural Committees.