More differently abled to get allowance

Sandasen MARASINGHE

Minister Felix Perera

Social Services Minister Felix Perera said his ministry will provide an allowance of Rs 3,000 to 11,000 elderly differently abled persons with allocations made from the 2011 budget.

The minister addressing the media said that Rs 405 million had been allocated for this. He said that setting up of homes for elders is not encouraged by this government although it is the trend in Western countries. Perera also stated that the government’s view is that the elders have to be cared and looked after by their children and other relatives preserving our cultural values.

He added that with this in mind the government provides economic support for needy families. He said that the ministry hopes to provide allowances to a large number of elderly persons in due course.

Minister Perera said that only 2,300 persons were granted this allowance earlier and it was only under the Mahinda Chintanaya that the number was increased.