Press briefing of Cabinet Decision taken on 2016-12-06

Providing relief to the aged and sick artistes

- With a view to providing relief for the aged and sick artistes of low income who had rendered a great service to the advancement of the field of Arts by dedicating their lives for same, a welfare assistance programme implemented by the Department of Cultural Affairs, through which 1,019 artistes of such calibre are given financial aid in an annual sum of Rs.5,000/- per artiste, presently. Considering the present economic situation prevailing in the country, the proposal made by Hon. S.B. Navinne, the Minister of Internal Affairs, Wayamba Development and Cultural Affairs, to increase the annual aid of Rs.5,000/- provided for them to Rs.10,000/- in the year 2017 and also to increase the number of artistes of low income receiving such aid up to Rs.5,000/-, was approved by the Cabinet.