News Today: Learn about the Cabinet’s decision to support schoolchildren with Rs. 6,000 for stationery.

The Cabinet has approved a Rs. 6,000 allowance for schoolchildren to purchase stationery ahead of the 2025 academic year. This proposal, presented by the President in his capacity as Minister of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development, aims to mitigate the negative effects of the ongoing economic crisis on education.

According to a survey conducted by the Department of Census and Statistics, over 55% of schoolchildren have faced significant educational setbacks due to economic hardships. These challenges are particularly acute in rural and estate areas, where 53.2% of children have reduced or stopped purchasing stationery, and 26.1% have resorted to reusing old supplies.

The approved programme will distribute the allowance as follows:

• Children from families under the Aswasuma programme will receive the allowance via the Welfare Benefit Board.
• Other children will receive the same amount through the Ministry of Education, Higher Education, and Professional Education.

This initiative reflects the government’s commitment to addressing educational disparities and ensuring every child has access to essential learning resources.