Govt to enrol Samurdhi officers to GN service

Chaminda Perera

While commending the Services of Samurdhi Development Officers and managers to the country’s economy, President Mahinda Rajapaksa yesterday said the Government has decided to enrol Samurdhi officers to the Grama Niladhari Service at their own accord.

President Mahinda Rajapaksa was speaking at a meeting with Trade Union representatives of the Samurdhi movement at Temple Trees yesterday.

The President added that some Samurdhi beneficiary families are receiving an allowance below Rs 1,000 and their allowance will be increased to Rs 1,000 soon.

He also said an additional allowance of Rs 1,500 would be paid to the Samurdhi beneficiary families who have children below the age of three. “The Government will also introduce an interest free loan scheme for Samurdhi beneficiaries who are eager to initiate self employment ventures, he said.

The President said the Government succeeded in uplifting the economy while funds were being allocated to end the terrorism menace in the country.

He lauded the services of Samurdhi Development officers and Managers for the country’s economic uplift.

The Samurdhi Authority has implemented a number of projects aimed at poverty reduction and sustainable development in the country. Participatory development activities and micro industries are among the key areas that receive the assistance of the Samurdhi Authority.

The authority which has over 25,000 workforce is implementing various programs at Grama Niladhari, Zonal and district levels to eradicate poverty in the country.

Presidential Advisor on Trade Union Affairs Bharatha Lakshman, Youth Affairs Minister Pavithra Vanniarachi and Samurdhi Authority Director General Bandula Thilakasiri were also present.