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<p>The UK recognises the economic challenges that Sri Lanka is facing. We continue
to monitor the economic situation in Sri Lanka closely, including the impact economic
issues are having on food security and livelihoods. The existing social protection
systems, including the Samurdhi programme, provide essential support to the most vulnerable
communities in Sri Lanka and will be crucial at this difficult time.</p><p>The Sri
Lankan authorities have taken a number of measures to help support the public, including
an economic relief package of Rs. 200bn ($1bn) announced in January 2022. This package
includes a Rs. 5000 ($25) monthly allowance for public sector employees, pensioners
and disabled soldiers. Under the scheme, Rs. 1000 ($5) has been allocated to the beneficiaries
of the government's largest welfare programme 'Samurdhi', and a number of taxes and
levies have been removed from essential foods and medicines. The Government of Sri
Lanka agreed on May 2 to provide a special three-month cash allowance from May to
July worth Rs. 13.36 billion to 3.34 million families affected by the current economic
crisis, with funding from the World Bank of which the UK is a major donor. We regularly
discuss economic policy with the Sri Lankan Government and encourage efforts to improve
economic growth and protect vital economic interests such as key industries, commodities,
employment and livelihoods.</p>
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