President Announces Economic Relief Package Details in Parliament

The government has allocated Rs. 60 billion specifically for the diesel and petrol subsidies within the overall Rs. 100 billion relief package. The fertiliser subsidy for paddy cultivation during the Yala season was increased from Rs. 25,000 to Rs. 30,000 per hectare. Additionally, a subsidy will be provided for electricity bills below 90 units during future tariff revisions. The President also stated that the additional cost incurred due to substandard coal imports will be borne by the importing companies and not passed on to the public.

The President assured a continuous supply of electricity until the end of May. Additionally, a bag of urea fertiliser will be provided at a fixed price of Rs. 10,200, with the government allocating Rs. 1.7 billion for this specific subsidy.

The President, in his capacity as Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, presented the economic relief package proposal to the Cabinet. The Rs. 20 per litre subsidy for 92 octane petrol is specifically designated for petrol used in public transport. The total allocation for the three-month relief program has been increased to Rs. 100 billion, which will be mobilised within the existing budget framework without borrowing new funds or creating new money.