Budget 2019 underscores welfare of public servants, Samurdhi recipients and pensioners

* Rs 40bn allocated for public servants' allowances

* Rs. 10 bn allocated to Samurdhi Fund

* Rs. 12 bn goes to correct pension anomalies

March 5, 2019, 9:14 pm 

Budget 2019 presented to parliament by Finance Minister Mangala Samaraweera yesterday had many proposals intended for caring for the employees of the public sector, Samurdhi recipients and pensioners.

Taking a social welfare perspective of the allocations he also proposed the Bogambara prison to be developed into a public space at a cost of Rs 750mn, government's financial support worth Rs 4bn allocated from the budget for each home to have a proper toilet, assistance for three wheeler owners to convert to electric three wheelers and small cars, allocation of Rs 10,000mn for 600,000 new Samurdhi beneficiaries, increment of allowance given to people with disabilities and setting up of special vocational training camps for drug convicts and female prisoners.

Meanwhile, focusing on macro-economic front, he proposed an allocation of Rs 250mn for national export strategy, the setting up of a Revenue Intelligence Unit at the Ministry of Finance, steps to promote female participation in the work force among other things.

On infrastructure front he said that an expressway to Jaffna would be built during the tenure of the government, Rs 500mn would be allocated for Bingiriya Development Zone and Rs 5,000mn will be allocated for the light rail project which would begin this year while Rs 48,000mn would be allocated for Gamperilya development programme.

He said that Enterprise Sri Lanka programme will be expanded to provide concessionary loans to young entrepreneurs.

'Sihina Maliga' loan programme for Sri Lankan expat workers will be commenced from next month. They would be able to obtain Rs 10mn loan with two year grace period, to be paid in 15 years. Further, Home Sweet Home – loan programme would be launched for newly weds. Rs 10mn concessionary loans would be given for middle income earners who buy their first house- at an interest rate of 6% to be paid in 25 years.

Some key proposals of the Budget are reproduced below:

People with disabilities who now receive a monthly allowance of Rs 3,000 would get Rs. 5,000 per month. Rs 4,320mn will be allocated for it.

An allowance of Rs. 2,500 for govt. servants from June 1st. Rs 40bn allocated for this purpose

Pension anomalies to be corrected. Rs 12bn will be allocated for this purpose.

Rs 32,000mn to be allocated for development of school infrastructure.

Casino entrance cost increased to $50

Prices charged for the issuing of passports to be increased. One day service to increase by Rs 5,000

Regular service increased by Rs 3500.

NBT to be imposed on Cigarettes. Price expected to increase by Rs 5 with effect from the 1st of June.

Tourism :NBT removed on Foreign Currency receipts from registered hotels.

Hotels can sign up for online bookings from 1st April 2020 Only if they are registered with the SLTDA

No foreign construction company can bid for a local construction contract without forming a joint venture with a local construction company.

Residential Visa (3 years) for individuals who invest over USD 400,000 in condominiums.

Taxes imposed on small trucks to be reduced.

Rs 800mn allocated to boost the production of tyre and rubber products,.

Rs 75mn allocated for a cinnamon training center. Ceylon cinnamon is facing various issues, therefore, all consignments will be checked for quality before they are exported

Estate sector workers salaries issue will be resolved as soon as possible.

Rs 1,300mn allocated to build two fishing ports.

Each main bus stand and railway station to get new toilets.

Tax concessions for companies that grant 3 months of maternity leave.

An allowance of Rs 5,000 for kidney patients.

My Future Loan Scheme- Rs 1.1mn (interest free), Grace period of 2 years. Repayment in 12 years.

A Trade and Productivity Commission to be set up under the MoDSIT. Rs 500mn over 2 years for Trade Adjustment Programme.

Scholarships for Educational excellence "C FUND". Top ranked GCE AL to receive funds for overseas study. Programme to start with 14 students in August. Currently in discussion with universities such as Harvard, Oxford and MIT

Students who benefit from the C fund have to come back to Sri Lanka once their studies conclude and work in the Sri Lanka for 10 years

Rs 25,000mn allocated for development of university infrastructure.

Rs 400mn allocated for training Tamil language teachers

Sri Lanka Army to conduct vocational training programs which will provide NVQ qualifications. .

Rs 600mn allocated for the development of the Suwaseriya program (over 2 years)

Beira Lake cleanup project to be completed by the government.

Pre paid cards and GPS location tracking (mobile apps) for bus services in the Western and Central Provinces.

SLTB fleet to receive 250 new buses. Rs 1.5bn allocated for the project

Bribery Commission to be strengthened. Rs 100mn allocated.