President Proposes Rs. 100 Bn Emergency Relief Package 📈

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake announced a three-month Rs. 100 billion relief plan to mitigate the domestic economic impact of the Middle East conflict. The strategy focuses on energy security and protecting vulnerable sectors while maintaining interest rates below 10% and inflation under 5%. • Fuel & Energy Subsidies Rs. 60 billion allocated for petrol and diesel subsidies over three months. Diesel to receive a subsidy of up to Rs. 100 per litre, avoiding a price spike to over Rs. 600. Petrol subsidy set at Rs. 20 per litre starting May 1st. Continuous electricity and fuel supply assured through end-May, supported by India, China, and Russia. • Agriculture & Fisheries Tea smallholders to receive an additional Rs. 5,000 per bag subsidy (Total cost: Rs. 6.5 Bn). Fertilizer prices capped at Rs. 10,200 (vs. market price of Rs. 13,500); cash subsidies increased by 20%. Fisheries sector granted an extra Rs. 50/litre diesel subsidy and voyage allowances up to Rs. 150,000. • Social Safety Net & Economy Aswesuma payments increased for April (e.g., Rs. 17,500 tier raised to Rs. 25,000). Electricity subsidy of Rs. 15 billion for households consuming under 90 units. Currency pressure noted as March tourism arrivals (150k) fell short of the 300k target, though remittances remain resilient. • Key Challenges Potential refinery shutdown due to crude delays; coal generation impacted by substandard quality. Import costs rose by US$ 1.5 Bn due to global fuel price hikes. _Note: Measures are based on a three-month spending limit; further deterioration in the Middle East may require a fresh strategy._