In a bid to alleviate economic strain on low-income households, the government is set to provide essential support before the upcoming Avurudu celebrations. Finance State Minister Ranjith Siyambalapitiya revealed plans to distribute rice to approximately 2.8 million struggling families. Each family is slated to receive 20kg of rice, split between April and May.

Ahead of the Sinhala and Tamil New Year festivities, 10kg of rice will be distributed in April, with the remaining allocation to follow within the first week of May, Siyambalapitiya outlined. The initiative, spearheaded by President Ranil Wickremesinghe and endorsed by the Cabinet of Ministers, aims not only to assist low-income families but also to support paddy farmers and small- to medium-scale rice mill owners.

Identification of eligible households will be coordinated through District Secretaries/Government Agents in collaboration with small- and medium-scale mill owners, ensuring targeted assistance reaches those most in need.