Basil Rajapaksa, Minister of Finance says that every pensioner will be given an allowance of Rs. 5,000 with effect from January.
He was speaking at a special media briefing at the Finance Ministry this evening.
In addition to the allowance given to disabled soldiers, they will also be given an allowance of Rs. 5,000 per month, the Finance Minister said.
In addition, steps will be taken to remove taxes on all essential foodstuffs and medicines, which are expected to bring down prices, he said.
If the income of paddy farmers decreases due to the fertilizer issue, an additional price of Rs. 25 per kilo of paddy will be provided to provide relief, the Minister said.
He also stated that the current guaranteed price of Rs. 50 per kilo of paddy will be increased to Rs. 75.