The Government has decided to implement a number of proposals put forward by the 2021 Budget which was passed yesterday (10).

In the statement released by the Finance Ministry, it is stated that the proposals made on behalf of public servants, small and medium scale entrepreneurs, youth, dairy farmers and students will be implemented immediately

The budget was passed by a two-thirds majority in the third reading. At the final vote, 151 votes were cast in favor of the budget while only 54 votes were cast against it.

The Finance Ministry announced that the maximum interest rate charged on housing and property loans to public servants through State banks was reduced to 7% and will be effective from now on.

Accordingly, the interest rate charged on public servants for current and future housing and property loans will be reduced to 3% for the first Rs. 500,000 and to 7% for the category of Rs. 1 million to Rs. 3 million.

A public servant receiving treatment at a government hospital infected with the coronavirus will receive a benefit of Rs. 3,000 per day for 10 days from the Agrahara Insurance Fund, which will provide a maximum of Rs. 700,000 in case of loss of life due to the virus

The proposed youth encouragement financial facilities for young entrepreneurs for new start-ups will also be implemented with immediate effect.

The "Kiri Shakthi" loan scheme is being implemented to increase local liquid milk production and increase liquid milk consumption.

The Finance Ministry announced that the proposed capital loan scheme for the upliftment of small and medium scale enterprises affected by the COVID-19 epidemic will be implemented from the moment the budget is approved and the program to provide shoe gift vouchers to monks and lay students studying in pirivenas will be implemented immediately.

Meanwhile, after the budget was passed, a traditional dinner was held at the Speaker's official residence last night.

However, a dinner event was also held at a private hotel under the patronage of the Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa