NEWSNOW | COLOMBO – Finance minister Mangala Samaraweera read the budget proposal for 2019, yesterday 05.03.2019, under the theme of ‘Enterprise Sri Lanka, Empower the public and Nurture the poor’. Below are the highlights of his proposals.
- An allowance of Rs.2500 to all state sector employees, from July 1st, 2019.
- Necessary amendments to increase pension from July 1st 2019.
- Commando allowance increased to Rs. 5000. Their housing allowance increased by 100% and uniform allowance increased to Rs. 600.
- “Home Sweet Home” loan program for newlyweds.
- A loan program with a two year grace period, for overseas workers.
- Scholarships for overseas education to fourteen top ranking GCE A/L students . Interest-free educational loan facility to G.C.E. A/L qualified students but failed to enter university.