Subsidized rice to estate workers
[Monday, January 28, 2008 - 5.25 GMT]   

Estate workers contribute immensely to the country’s development and it is the responsibility of the government to uplift their lives, said President Mahinda Rajapaksa at a ceremony to release subsidized rice to estate workers in Kandy on Saturday (January 26).

This programme was launched with the aim to popularize the consumption of rice and rice flour among the estate workers and the government will spend Rs. 200 million annually for the programme.  

Meanwhile, speaking at a ceremony in Kandy to donate over 306 million rupees to the cooperative societies to open 306 Co-op City Super Markets islandwide before the forthcoming New Year, President Rajapaksa said the cooperative movement which was severely affected by the political decisions of the past will be rejuvenated by the present government.

The Cooperative Movement should have a strong market share and it should be able to control the prices, President said.

President Rajapaksa also awarded Mahapola Scholorships worth Rs. 2500 each per month to University students from the Central Province.