The Cabinet of Ministers has decided to grant low-income earners a Rs.5,000 allowance during the months of April and May, in view of the Sinhala and Tamil New Year.
Minister of Power Gamini Lokuge said 3.1 million families will be eligible to receive the sum.
Speaking to media after the Cabinet of Ministers meeting last evening, Minister Lokuge noted that they will allocate funds to provide the sum as an Avurudu bonus.
He said the Cabinet also discussed the mechanism needed to minimise power cuts and streamline the fuel distribution process.
Minister Gamini Lokuge also confirmed that they have no intention of increasing fuel prices despite a decision by the Lanka IOC.
He attributed the power cuts to unforeseeable incidents such as the reduction in power generation at hydro power plants and the unavailability of furnace oil due to the closure of the Sapugaskanda Oil Refinery.
The Minister assured that the government is taking all measures to provide concessions to the public and ease the burden due to the financial crisis.
