The government has commenced the distribution of essential food item packages at concessionary prices for low-income families, starting today. This initiative will continue until April 13, aiming to reduce the cost of living and ensure food security during the Sinhala and Tamil New Year season.
Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security, and Cooperative Development, Wasantha Samarasinghe, stated that these packages will be provided to individuals on the Aswesuma waiting list. Eligible beneficiaries can obtain the food packs from Lanka Sathosa and Cooperative outlets across the country.
Under this program, a food package valued at Rs. 5,000 will be available for approximately Rs. 2,500.
Currently, around 812,000 Aswesuma beneficiaries are eligible, and Minister Samarasinghe confirmed that newly applied eligible individuals will also receive assistance. A formal mechanism has been established to ensure fair distribution.
The initiative is being implemented by the Ministry of Finance, the Food Policy and Security Committee, and the cooperative outlet network under the theme ‘Sathutin Sathosin’.
