Anura Meter is an online tool that tracks the progress of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake's 2024 Presidential Election manifesto. The progress of these promises will be updated every four months and after each parliamentary budget. Assessment as at 17 February 2025.
Progress:
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Increasing Mahapola and other bursaries in line with cost of living
We propose to increase monthly Mahapola scholarship from Rs. 5,000 to Rs. 7,500 and monthly Bursary payments from 4,000 to Rs 6,500. A provision of Rs. 4,600 million has already been made in 2025 budget estimates. (2025 Budget Speech, Page 124)
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In Budget
17-Feb-25
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Allocating lands for Malayagam communities to construct permanent homes
Rs. 4,267 million is allocated for development of estate housing and infrastructure development. (2025 Budget Speech, Page 142)
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In Budget
17-Feb-25
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Providing a minimum monthly financial grant from Rs. 10,000 upwards to low- income families
The increase in the monthly benefit allowance paid to the two social groups; the poor and the extremely poor, from Rs. 8,500 to Rs. 10,000 and from Rs. 15,000 to Rs. 17,500, respectively, has already been implemented with effect from January 2025. (2025 Budget Speech, Page 131)
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In Budget
17-Feb-25
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Introduction of a participatory, transparent and efficient beneficiary selection process (for the poverty scheme)
1.2 million “Aswesuma” beneficiaries will be empowered using Government funds and foreign funds. Around 25,000 families have been selected to be empowered under the pilot programme with the assistance of the Asian Development Bank and the World Bank funded projects. The remaining number of potential/ eligible families are expected to be empowered gradually using the local funds. Accordingly, we propose to enhance the empowerment programme by Rs. 500 million. (2025 Budget Speech, Page 131)
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In Budget
17-Feb-25
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Providing a monthly allowance of Rs. 5,000 to senior citizens needing assistance
We propose to increase the monthly allowances for kidney patients and people with disabilities from Rs. 7,500 to Rs. 10,000 and monthly allowances for elderly persons from Rs. 3,000 to Rs. 5,000 with effect from April 2025. (2025 Budget Speech, Page 131)
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In Budget
17-Feb-25
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Establishment of new elderly care centers at the divisional secretariat level
Furthermore, palliative and geriatric care services will be available at selected PMCUs in each district, especially considering the ageing population. (2025 Budget Speech, Page 120)
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In Budget
17-Feb-25
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An interest rate that is 5% higher than the normal bank rate(s) for senior citizens' fixed deposits
We propose to implement a Special Interest Scheme for Senior Citizens. Under this scheme, individuals above 60 years of age will be eligible for one-year fixed deposits of up to Rs. 1 million with an annual additional interest rate of 3 percent, above the prevailing interest rates in the market for ensuring their financial stability. To implement the scheme, we propose to allocate Rs. 15,000 million to subsidize the 3 percent additional interest to be paid for the senior citizens. (2025 Budget Speech, Page 136)
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In Budget
17-Feb-25
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Financial assistance for affected individuals; women-headed families, single parent families and women affected by gender-based/intimate partner violence, based on needs and income levels
For programs to prevent child and women violence, empower women and save women, Rs. 120 million has also been allocated. In order to maintain the network spread across the island for the implementation of programs aimed at women Rs. 720 million will be incurred. (2025 Budget Speech, Page 120)
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In Budget
17-Feb-25
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Legal aid and counseling services are offered or affected individuals; women-headed families, single parent families and women affected by gender-based/intimate partner violence based on needs and requests.
For programs to prevent child and women violence, empower women and save women, Rs. 120 million has also been allocated. In order to maintain the network spread across the island for the implementation of programs aimed at women Rs. 720 million will be incurred. (2025 Budget Speech, Page 120)
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In Budget
17-Feb-25
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Creating a digital data repository of individuals with chronic illnesses such as cancer and kidney disease
We propose to allocate Rs 100 million to establish a comprehensive database on the people with disabilities under the Secretariat for Persons with Disabilities in collaboration with the Department of Census and Statistics in the year 2025. (2025 Budget Speech, Page 134)
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In Budget
17-Feb-25
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A minimum monthly financial grant of Rs. 10,000 to persons with chronic illnesses on a needs basis
We propose to increase the monthly allowances for kidney patients and people with disabilities from Rs. 7,500 to Rs. 10,000 and monthly allowances for elderly persons from Rs. 3,000 to Rs. 5,000 with effect from April 2025. (2025 Budget Speech, Page 134)
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In Budget
17-Feb-25
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Identifying pregnant women needing additional nutrition through community health services
In that, a monthly assistance is given for providing nutritious food especially for pregnant mother, for which Rs. 7,500 million has been earmarked. Also, for the Triposha program for the nutrition of mothers and children, Rs. 5,000 million has been allocated. (2025 Budget Speech, Page 120)
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In Budget
17-Feb-25
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Provision of financial support for nutritious food packages during pregnancy and the first year of childbirth for low-income families
In that, a monthly assistance is given for providing nutritious food especially for pregnant mother, for which Rs. 7,500 million has been earmarked. Also, for the Triposha program for the nutrition of mothers and children, Rs. 5,000 million has been allocated. (2025 Budget Speech, Page 120)
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In Budget
17-Feb-25
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Increasing budgetary allocation to critical areas, including education, health, social services and other essential child welfare sectors with a special focus on marginalised and vulnerable groups.
It is proposed to review the school system to prepare a national plan to relocate schools. Accordingly, we propose to allocate Rs. 500 million to implement this programme. (2025 Budget Speech, Page 123)
moreGovernment health budget for 2025 has significantly increased to an allocation of Rs. 604,000 million. (2025 Budget Speech, Page 121) The Government has increased social protection programme net spending to Rs. 232.5 billion in 2025. (2025 Budget Speech, Page 131)
In Budget
17-Feb-25
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Implementing community, family, and school-based cooperative programs with the support of international and local organizations to improve overall child health, including providing nutritious food
We propose to increase the payment per meal per student for pre-school morning meal programme from Rs. 60 to Rs. 100 and a provision of Rs. 1,000 million has already been made in 2025 budget estimates for this purpose (2025 Budget Speech, Page 123)
moreNutritious Food Allowance has been supported for students in sports schools to obtain a nutritious diet. Hence, we propose to double the monthly Nutritious Food Allowance from Rs. 5,000 to Rs. 10,000 per student. Budgetary provision has been already made in 2025 budget estimate for this purpose (2025 Budget Speech, Page 124)
In Budget
17-Feb-25
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Offer tax exemptions to import assistive devices used by persons with disabilities
Assistive devices are crucial for people with disabilities and they are considered as a part of their body. I observe that a comprehensive programme is required to expand locally manufacturing facilities of these devices in all provinces. Therefore, we propose to allocate Rs. 500 million for this purpose in 2025. Initially, the assistive device manufacturing facility at the Rheumatology and Rehabilitation Hospital, Ragama will be expanded as the national center and regional manufacturing centers will be established as necessary. (2025 Budget Speech, Page 135)
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In Budget
17-Feb-25
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Taking steps to develop facilities such as land, housing, education, and health of the upcountry Tamil community by recognizing their identity and rights, as mentioned in the Hatton Declaration made on 2023.10.15 by the National People’s Power
Actions will be taken to expedite the process of strengthening estate level health care service through Public Private Partnership (PPP) with Regional Plantation Companies. Required human resources, necessary equipment and pharmaceuticals for estate hospitals will be provided by the Government. (2025 Budget Speech, Page 121)
moreAccordingly, Rs. 7,583 million has already been allocated to support the following initiatives. i. Rs. 4,267 million is allocated for development of estate housing and infrastructure development. ii. Rs. 2,450 million is allocated for Vocational training, Livelihood development and Infrastructure Development of Malayagam Tamil youth iii. Rs. 866 million is allocated for smart class rooms for schools in Malayagam Tamil community. (2025 Budget Speech, Page 142)
In Budget
17-Feb-25
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Increase the salaries of the upcountry plantation workers compared to the cost of living
In addition to the programmes focused on the development of plantation sector, the Government will intervene to increase the daily wages of the workers to Rs. 1,700. (2025 Budget Speech, Page 152)
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In Budget
17-Feb-25
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Appointing 25 ministers and corresponding deputy ministers to 25 logically determined ministries and abolishing State Ministerial posts
To set an example on the side of the political leadership on expenditure management, the number of Ministers is limited 21. Ministers’ and Deputy Ministers’ expenditure has been rationalized reducing the public expenditure for the Government. (2025 Budget Speech, Page 118)
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In Budget
17-Feb-25
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Establishing new institutions as per the need, methodically integrating institutions with similar subject matter, and abolishing unnecessary institutes
In order to remedy this situation, a Committee under the Prime Minister’s Secretary has already been appointed to review the functions and utility of a plethora of Government agencies. It would be possible to determine which agencies need to continue, which need to be amalgamated with other agencies, and which agencies need to be discontinued, which need to change their objectives. This exercise is expected to deliver substantial gains in terms of improved efficiency in delivery of public services. (2025 Budget Speech, Page 119)
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In Budget
17-Feb-25
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Gradually increase government expenditure on health to at least 3% of the GDP within a short period
Government health budget for 2025 has significantly increased to an allocation of Rs. 604,000 million. (2025 Budget Speech, Page 121)
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In Budget
17-Feb-25
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Increase the annual tax threshold for individual income tax from Rs. 1.2 million to Rs. 2.4 million and revise the tax rates and tax brackets on a fair basis
Other key revenue measures which have already been announced in Parliament previously in December 2024 include the increase of tax-free threshold for personal income tax, further adjustments to the second income tax slab, removal of VAT on fresh milk and yoghurt. (2025 Budget Speech, Page 153)
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In Budget
17-Feb-25
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Introduce Point of Sales (POS) systems and digital invoicing to streamline VAT collection
The use of Point-of-Sale (POS) machines across businesses, especially in VAT registered enterprises, will be implemented as a key initiative to facilitate digital transactions and reduce cash dependency. (2025 Budget Speech, Page 154)
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In Budget
17-Feb-25
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Introduce a 0% VAT rate for essential food items including locally produced milk & eggs, infant milk, drugs, schoolbooks, stationeries & equipment, magazines & journals, library services, agricultural equipment, fertilizer, solar panels & accessories, mac
Other key revenue measures which have already been announced in Parliament previously in December 2024 include the increase of tax-free threshold for personal income tax, further adjustments to the second income tax slab, removal of VAT on fresh milk and yoghurt. (2025 Budget Speech, Page 153)
moreParliament measures including the introduction of VAT on digital services, the imposition of corporate income tax on export of services, and an increase in the corporate tax on cigarettes/liquor, and gaming. (2025 Budget Speech, Page 154)
In Budget
17-Feb-25
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Simplify the complex tariff structure to increase customs revenue on a fair basis
The new Customs Law will be introduced to enhance trade facilitation and revenue collection. (2025 Budget Speech, Page 111)
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In Budget
17-Feb-25
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Establish a new national development bank to provide long-term financing, start new businesses, and expand existing businesses for entrepreneurs
Access to finance has long been one of the biggest challenges facing the SME sector and rural entrepreneurs. The financial culture in this country has been one of collateral based lending which has led to a great deal of financial exclusion. Whilst banks must protect the interests of depositors and ensure prudence in their lending practices, there also needs to be a solution for SMEs and new entrepreneurs as well. Towards this end, the Government is working towards setting up a development bank. As a first step, the function of a development bank through a new administrative structure will be established through the existing state bank mechanism. The Government will support this task through the National Credit Guarantee Institution (NCGI).
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In Budget
17-Feb-25
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Interacting with foreign partners to bring in Foreign Direct Investments (FDI), financial assistance, and technology transfer for schemes and programmes. Attempting to diversify sources of FDI
Double Taxation Avoidance Agreements (DTAs) will be expanded beyond the existing 44 DTAs with priority given to countries with high trade and investment potential. (2025 Budget Speech, Page 111) Government will call for foreign direct investments to optimize the utilization of Sri Lanka’s untapped potential in investment, industrial development, and value added exports of Sri Lanka’s mineral resources and marine economy (2025 Budget Speech, Page 112)
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In Budget
17-Feb-25
