Dilrook Kannangara

The nation and the people are in a deep economic crisis. In the midst of the crisis, the government has decided to dish out 15,000 rupees each only to Hindus in the plantations sector. This is highly discriminatory and is a violation of the Constitution which guarantees equal rights to all individuals. If the government spends taxpayer funds, it must spend it equitably. Spending it only for the benefit of one ethnic group is highly discriminatory.

There are many Buddhists, Muslims and Christians within the Upcountry regions and also elsewhere who are also poor and cannot afford basic needs. They too must get the Diwali allowance of 15,000 rupees.

On the other hand, giving away 15,000 rupees each does not generate additional food. It only gives an unfair advantage to one creed to stock up on very scarce food items at the expense of others. Non-Hindus will be far worse off following this targeted and discriminatory 15,000 rupee donation to Upcountry Hindus.

Uphold equal rights in every donation from taxpayer funds or do not donate any. Creating discrimination will worsen the social impacts of the economic crisis and make it nearly impossible to overcome.