The Government has launched a programme to provide Rs.10,000 worth of essential food items to families under self-quarantine in their respective homes due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“According to a decision taken at a discussion held at Temple Trees on October 27 under the Chairmanship of the Presidential Task Force on Economic Revival and Poverty Alleviation, Basil Rajapaksa, the goods will be delivered to recipients with the assistance of the Army,” Government sources said.

Essential food items such as vegetables, fruits and dry rations, valued at Rs.5,000 will be delivered to families under quarantine on two separate occasions.

“The distribution of essential items to 6,807 families in the Gampaha District commenced yesterday (30),” Gampaha District Secretary Sunil Jayalath said. This is in line with the Government’s move to quarantine the close associates of COVID-19 infected people in their own homes instead of sending them to quarantine centres.

The Government also launched a programme last week to pay an allowance of Rs. 5,000 to low-income people living in police curfew areas in the Gampaha District. These measures have been taken for the welfare of the people who are facing difficulties due to the quarantine curfew.