COLOMBO (NewsRadio); Cabinet Spokesman Minister Bandula Gunawardena says the disbursement of this month’s Samurdhi payments could be delayed by a week or two due to lack of funds.
Speaking during a media briefing at the Department of Government Information this morning, Minister Bandula Gunawardena said they were notified that due to lack of funds, the Samurdhi payments will be delayed this month and probably next month as well.
The Minister stressed that payments will be made however, the recipients must expect delays.
He said due to the contraction of the economy last year, the revenue of the government has reduced considerably.
Minister Gunawardena noted that therefore the state is facing difficulties to find funds to even pay monthly salaries of state employees.
He said they are unable to continuously print money which will result in inflation increasing rapidly once again.
Minister Bandula Gunawardena added that the country is also subjected to restrictions to print money due to agreements reached with the International Monetary Fund.
The Minister noted that there is no political resolution to the matter and stressed on the importance of working collectively to solve the economic crisis.
