The Hon. (Dr.) Harshana Suriyapperuma - Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning

¶ 01 Sir, I just want to make a small clarification on the matter raised by the Hon. Amirthanathan Adaikkalanathan.

¶ 02 He said it would be good if adequate provisions are made for Northern development. Already, Rs. 5,000 million has been allocated for Northern Province development. Some Opposition MPs even questioned why that much was allocated. He also asked whether there were specific provisions for persons with disabilities. As per this Appropriation Bill, monthly allowances for kidney patients and persons with disabilities will be increased from Rs. 7,500 to Rs. 10,000, and the monthly allowance for the elderly will be increased from Rs. 3,000 to Rs. 5,000, effective from April. That means adequate provisions have been made irrespective of North or South, while giving specific attention and funding to the Northern Province. Thank you.