Labour Minister and Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning, Dr Anil Jayantha, states that the funds received by the Rebuilding Sri Lanka Fund are securely held in the Treasury.
He made this remark while issuing a special clarification regarding concerns that have arisen in society over the fund.
As at 24 April, the Rebuilding Sri Lanka Fund had received Rs. 9,583 million.
Dr Jayantha further noted that donations have been made by overseas Sri Lankans from 49 countries, as well as by foreign nationals.
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A supplementary estimate amounting to Rs. 500 billion was approved by the Government last December to provide relief to those affected by the Cyclone Ditwah.
Accordingly, he stated that the Rs. 10 billion available in the Rebuilding Sri Lanka Fund could be utilised for this purpose, and that only a further sum of approximately Rs. 490 billion would need to be sourced.
He also pointed out that certain statements being made by some parties regarding this fund are false and baseless.
Dr Anil Jayantha added that the utilisation of these funds is being carried out in accordance with the prevailing laws and regulations.