The Election Commission has instructed the government to temporarily suspend the distribution of a subsidized food package for the Sinhala and Hindu New Year. In a letter to the Secretary to the President and the Secretary to the Ministry of Trade, Commerce, Food Security, and Cooperative Development, the Election Commission requested that the food package be distributed only after the local government elections.
The food package is part of this year’s budget proposal. Under the plan, eligible beneficiaries from the 812,753 individuals who submitted new applications for relief benefits were to receive an essential food package worth Rs. 5,000. It was to be provided at a subsidized price of Rs. 2,500.
The Cabinet recently approved the seasonal food package, and distribution was scheduled to take place through Lanka Sathosa and Coop outlets from April 1 to 13.
