Opposition slams Govt. for failing to reduce poverty

• Says number of Samurdhi recipients increasing shows successive governments have failed to reduce poverty
• Slams Govt. for wasting money on Samurdhi ceremonies
• Upset that people who really need Samurdhi not getting it, highlights report of child starving to death in Tissamaharama  

By Ashwin Hemmathagama – Our Lobby Correspondent

Opposition lawmaker Mahinda Amaraweera yesterday charged the present and previous governments for failing to alleviate poverty using the Samurdhi program.  

Addressing the Parliament yesterday, MP Amaraweera held that all politicians have badly failed where the number of poor in the country has increased to two million in 2019. 

“When Samurdhi was started in 1995 to eradicate poverty there were 1.4 million recipients. But in reality, the number of poor has increased to two million this year. So, we have to accept failure to eradicate poverty. We don’t mind you including your party supporters to receive Samurdhi but don’t cut the name of those who are eligible receive Samurdhi but supporters of the opposition. I am sure many more could have been included to receive Samurdhi,” he said.

According to MP Amaraweera, subsidies and aids alone will not help to eradicate poverty and it is not the practice followed globally. “We have to accept the fact the Government decision to extend insurance benefits to Samurdhi recipients is a good move. On the other hand, you are spending more on Samurdhi propaganda. As far as I know Rs. 300 million was allocated. This is in addition to the expenses borne by the Samurdhi banks for cut-outs and the transportation of members to the functions. We are yet to compensate those who suffered from the Easter Sunday attacks. According to media, the alleged death of a child in Tissamaharama due to hunger was reported today. We need to look into this where more benefits should be given to such people,” he held.

However, MP Amaraweera proposed Finance Minister Mangala Samaraweera to put a stop to the corruption and fraud at Department of Excise, Department of Customs, and the Department of Inland Revenue if more benefits are to be given to ordinary people.