Minister Basil Rajapaksa has said that there are plans to produce goods locally and reduce imports. The Minister made this reference responding to UNP MP Eran Wickremaratne in Parliament today.
The UNP Parliamentarian said that 1.9 million families received the Samurdhi benefits in 2006. But by 2013, the Samurdhi beneficiaries decline to 1.4 million. He mentioned that this figure had declined by 500 thousand.
Minister Basil Rajapaksa said that one of his points was correct. The decline was 439,987 families. It happened so as the income of these families enhanced. The decline was 22.9 percent. But he refuted allegations made by the UNP MP that the Samurdhi allowance was reduced. In 2013, 12,762 million rupees was provided to Samurdhi benefits. Figure decline due to development which has taken place in the country and as the livelihoods of the Samurdhi recipients were upgraded due to projects such as Divi Neguma and Gama Neguma. He mentioned that their next target is to locally produce goods which are now being imported. This could enhance the earnings of the people.
149,568 billion rupees had been spent on the import of food alone. A majority of these goods could be produced in the country. Minister Rajapaksa said that action should be initiated so that this money is received by the cultivators and people of this country. The country is already self sufficient particularly in maize, black gram and paddy. He revealed of plans for the country to become self sufficient in potatoes and onions this year. He also referred to the many industries launched by the Government.
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