Estate and Agricultural Relief Measures

08-Apr-2026

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President Anuragumar Dissanayake announced allocations of Rs. 10,000 crore for relief to populations and industries affected by conflicts in the Central East, with a three-month period set for the disbursement of support. This includes increased fuel relief for fishermen, financial aid for Aswesum beneficiaries, and subsidized fertilizer distribution.

Fuel Relief: Diesel and petrol subsidies will be provided at Rs. 100 and Rs. 20 per litre, respectively, for three months, with Rs. 6,000 crore allocated.

Fishermen: Additional Rs. 50 per litre relief for ordinary fishing boats, totaling 625 litres over 25 days, with Rs. 31,250 deposited per beneficiary for three months. Artisanal fishermen will receive Rs. 150,000 in fuel relief.

Fertilizer Subsidy: 14,000 metric tons of old-price fertilizer is available. Private companies have agreed to supply 65% of their stocks to the Ministry of Plantation Development, with additional imports at old prices for government distribution. Subsidies for small-scale farmers have been increased: urea at Rs. 10,200 per bag, previously planned distributions increased proportionally. Rs. 6,500 million has been allocated for fertilizer relief.

Aswesum Beneficiaries: Payments increased from Rs. 17,500 to Rs. 25,000, Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 15,000, and Rs. 5,000 to Rs. 7,500, with Rs. 8,500 million set aside.

Electricity Tariff Issues: Due to low water levels, high fuel prices, and coal supply shortages, electricity charges have been impacted. Emergency measures will ensure power supply using fuel without passing costs to the public. Relief measures for consumers using less than 90 units will be provided for three months, with Rs. 1,500 crore allocated.

Cyclone Relief: Rs. 50,000 crore has been allocated for relief and compensation related to the Cyclone Ditwah. An additional Rs. 10,000 crore has been earmarked for impacts arising from the current Central East conflicts, for a period of three months.

All measures are designed to provide immediate relief without printing new currency or taking loans, with further steps to be determined based on evolving circumstances.