With direct deposits and donations from organizations and individual donors, the balance of the COVID-19 Healthcare and Social Security Fund has surpassed Rs. 242 million, the President’s Media Division said. President Gotabaya Rajapaksa established the Fund on March 23 and the Fund’s balance has reached Rs.145 million as at 8.00 a.m. today with the Rs.9.5 million direct deposits to the Bank and Rs. 500,000 donation from the Presidential Secretariat. “The balance surpassed Rs. 242 million with contributions of Rs.10 million by the Financial Management Accounts Department of the People’s Bank, Rs.3 million by People’s Bank Pensioners Association, Rs 5 million each by People’s Leasing, Litro Gas Lanka Limited, Sri Lanka Insurance Corporation and Bank of Ceylon, Rs 8 million by The National Savings Bank and Rs.50 million by Akbar Brothers Pvt Ltd. A special account had been opened at the Corporate Branch of the Bank of Ceylon under the account number of 85737373. Local as well as foreign donors have made their contributions to the Fund. Donations to COVID-19 Healthcare and Social Security Fund have been exempted from taxes and foreign exchange regulations. Deposits can be made through cheques or telegraphic transfers. Further details can be obtained from Mr. K.B. Egodawela, Director General (Administration) through 011-2354354,” the PMD said.