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Live Blog: Budget 2013

8 November 2012 07:34 am - 95     - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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President concluded reading the budget speech and the second reading of the 2013 budget will be held tomorow at 9.30 am.

15:28
Rs. 1500 to be added as an allowance for state sector employees.

15:27
A National Wage Policy is to be formed by a new wage commission.

15:16
All persons above 65 years of age and have no permanent livelihood will receive a grant of Rs. 5000. Rs 300 million is to be allocated for this.
15:13
Tax on foreing liquor to be increased by 25%
15:10
Revenue license fees charged for motor vehicles to be increased by 10-20%.

15:08
President proposes to impose the nation building tax to supermarkets and high end businesses that have a revenue exceeding Rs 500 million per quarter.

15:02
Government is planning to reduce the number of house maids and increase the number of skilled workers sent for foreign employment.
14:58
Foreign employees who intend to build houses will receive a loan of Rs. 250,000 at an interest rate of 10%.
14:57
Rs 200 million is to be allocated for the well being of journalists and artistes.
14:51
Rs 300 million is to be allocated for the ICT sector and the number of Nena Sala centers are to be increased.
14:51
Allocations for the education sector has been increased by 15% and University lecturers' professional integrity will be improved and preserved, says President.
14:48
Rs 306 billion is to be allocated to the education sector which will amount to 4.1% of the Gross Domestic Production ( GDP).

14:44
Differently abled people should gain equal access to public buildings and facilities should be given for them to operate teller machines, says President.
14:40
Rs.125 billion is to be allocated to improve health services in the country.
14:39
Allocations to improve urban housing is to be increased by Rs 750 million.
14:36
Direct contribution from the local construction companies to foreign investments should be encouraged, says President.

14:34
Selling lands to foreigners for tourism purposes is to be banned.
14:30
Taxes are to be reduced for vehicles that are used for racing.
14:28
Rs. 60 million is to be allocated for the 2013 Deyata Kirula exhibition which will be held in the Polonnaruwa, Ampara and Trincomalee districts.

14:21
$ 5000 million is expected from the apparel sector as revenue.

14:12
President says that subsidies given for plantation companies will only be granted for those companies which have improved the living standards of estate workers and for those who maintain the quality of their products.

14:11
Subsidies given to small tea holders for one hectare is to be increased from Rs 300,000 to Rs. 350,000

14:06
Rs. 2000 million is to be allocated to develop fishing harbours.

14:04
One litre of fresh milk is to be purchased at Rs 50 and higher taxes are to be maintained for imported milk powder.
14:02
Permits are to be given to tap coconut trees to produce jaggery and other products.

13:57
President says that he intends to make Sri Lanka 50% self sufficient with big onions, dried chilies and potatoes.


13:55
One Kg of rice is to be purchased at a rate between Rs 32-35 and Rs 40 for those farmers who use organic fertilizer.

13:51
President proposes to invest Rs.126 billion to provide clean drinking water.

13:48
President proposes to allocate Rs.102 billion to develop the irrigation system.

13:44
A 50 Kg fertilizer bag is proposed to be given at a rate of Rs 400.
13:44
President proposes to allocate Rs 1000 million for drought affected farmers.

13:42
President proposes to terminate the interest and to delay the recovering of loans given to farmers until the Maha harvesting season arrives.
13:39
$ 2.5 billion is expected from tourism sector.

13:37
President proposes decreased taxes for all private investments.

13:30
President proposes a pair of shoes and a nuitritious meal for the children in rural areas.

13:25
President proposes increased allocations to improve living standards and nuitrition of children of  lower income groups.
13:22
The trade deficit will drop to 4.5% in 2015, says President.

13:21
Prices of essential goods are stable, says President.

13:18
Import expenses have dropped from Rs 20 billion to Rs 18 billion.

13.15
President says that he intends to increase Sri Lanka's per capita income upto 4000 US $

13.12President proposes relief to be given to the families of war heroes.
13.05
President proposes that Rs 1000 million should be allocated for the Ranaviru Seva Authority

13.05
President says that he intends to hold Provincial Elections in the North next year to strengthen the democratic process.

13:03
President extends his gratitude to the Speaker, Leader of the House and the Leader of the Opposition for successfully handling the 58 Commonwealth Meeting
13:00
 The President arrives at Parliament to deliver the 2013 Budget.



 





























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  Comments - 95

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  • dammika Thursday, 08 November 2012 11:19 AM

    What a joke..they should reduced tax on milk powder...we are not in a position to produce enough milk for demand. why these people cant understand this simple thing.

    ජහමනයා Thursday, 08 November 2012 12:48 PM

    අයියෝ.. දැයට කිරුළ සැනකෙළියට රු. කෝටි 6යි දෙන්නේ. ඒ මදිනේ එන්ජෝයි කරන්න.

    Rickshow Thursday, 08 November 2012 12:35 PM

    What about the Taxes of imposed on normal Vehicles??

    merril Thursday, 08 November 2012 12:31 PM

    What a relief at last; I was eagerly waiting to buy a racing car for my fathers 85th B'day. Now I can fulfill the promise. Thank you Mr. President.

    Dinesh Thursday, 08 November 2012 12:31 PM

    What about salary increment for varsity dons?

    pramo Thursday, 08 November 2012 12:28 PM

    MR should reduce the taxes on racing private busses

    FALCON Thursday, 08 November 2012 12:10 PM

    RACING CAR BUDGET

    Tubewell Tax Thursday, 08 November 2012 11:41 AM

    public fund = government enjoyment

    indikaR Thursday, 08 November 2012 11:29 AM

    i totally agree with you. There is no substance in the proposals.

    HaBus Thursday, 08 November 2012 11:23 AM

    Actually, the price increases happen before and after the Budget. However, My Question is, when do we prepare a budget that would see us close the deficits and make our Children debt free?

    Sagara Thursday, 08 November 2012 11:22 AM

    I will try some "SUDUWA" from tomorrow. I can not bear to pay 25% more at all.

    Managala Thursday, 08 November 2012 11:21 AM

    what i heard from opposition earlier was spending on education is around 1 % from the GDP Then gov said they spent 5 % now figures says 4 % no one seems to know the actual figure....

    Ron Jeramy Thursday, 08 November 2012 12:47 PM

    More racing cars.............. forget the hungry children and poor

    Calistus Jayatilleke Thursday, 08 November 2012 11:18 AM

    Duty on racing cars reduced - allocation for Deyata Kirula increased : a bonanza for the Crown Prince. By the way, housing loans for "foreign" employees: does it mean Sri Lankans employed overseas or "foreign employees" like Chinese working in Sri Lanka! With incentives for toddy tapping, we can again start singing CT's song " Mage Sudu Maame, Raa podiyak dee, maa sanasanne".

    Saskia Thursday, 08 November 2012 11:16 AM

    First, implement the LLRC and give land and police power to tamils.

    shehan jayawardene Thursday, 08 November 2012 11:10 AM

    Ha haa...Taxes are to be reduced for vehicles that are used for racing...

    sanath Thursday, 08 November 2012 11:00 AM

    He said country has spent more than5% from GDP to education but not even crosses 4 % after the presidents's proposed allocation..

    dave Thursday, 08 November 2012 10:52 AM

    It is give and take policies.

    Funny thing.... Not funny at all.
    Taxes for importing racing cars to reduced.

    Haaaa hhhhhhhaaa God one.

    Lets us wait for next election.

    DJ Hilton Thursday, 08 November 2012 10:50 AM

    what a crappy budget,who is the financial adviser for MR ?
    does he need some racing cars ?
    any reduction for poor and average families ? does he know how the loaf of bread now ?
    so many thing has allocated, for ICT,Health etc..., will it directly for to real projects and will it get it implement ?
    just allocations will be eaten by them itself.

    Asaranakolla Thursday, 08 November 2012 10:46 AM

    Tax free for racing cars!!! echarai adu? whr is the tax free track? high way? Should release free taxes for other sports goods! Loans rates at bottleneck! okkoma gama saviyatada! nothing good for smilar persons daily life, consumer prices not reduce seems increasing more in future... finished earlier also sees that nothing cannot expect

    patana Thursday, 08 November 2012 10:46 AM

    We would like to know if more funds have been allocated to buy white vans.

    chapman Thursday, 08 November 2012 10:44 AM

    "Foreign employees who intend to build houses will receive a loan of Rs. 250,000 at an interest rate of 10 %." What a joke. Im still laughing

    pachaya Thursday, 08 November 2012 10:43 AM

    SANTA CLAUSE IS COMING TO SILLY LANKA !!! How long can these politicians maintain this Bullshit? Perhaps the media didn't explain in full for people to understand what the deficit and how that is going to be bridged. And how foreign loans going to be paid off having the country in debt at almost 30 billion dollars.Every citizen of the country should pay US Dollars 1500.00 to pay off these loans. This budget is just to mesmerize general public and slow down the pressure from the public towards the government. In other words, this is all candies for kids by the "Loving Father".

    lol Thursday, 08 November 2012 10:41 AM

    "Tax reduced for cars involved in races". I haven't heard the powerful country leader Obama Says in his budget reading. Obama will looking at this tiny island.

    Watch Dog Thursday, 08 November 2012 08:44 PM

    Why don't you buy a CTB bus.....you can race down any road!

    Oil Tank Removal NJ Sunday, 03 February 2013 06:23 AM

    Congratulation for your post.I get some more important information about their Budget from your post. Thank you again.Oil Tank Removal NJ.

    Naman Friday, 09 November 2012 10:14 AM

    It is time to reduce the defence fund drastically and get them in to development projects. They should be used to suppress freedom of speech,human rights etc

    Kool Kool Friday, 09 November 2012 07:53 AM

    Hello Ravi
    Just wait for few more months. There will be road tax applied for normal vehicle and racing vehicles may be exempted. That time you can decide whther to cry or laugh

    xlntgson Friday, 09 November 2012 02:26 AM

    Buy a plot of paddy land fill it!

    xlntgson Friday, 09 November 2012 01:56 AM

    Who is responsible for 30 m dollars foreign loan, is it accumulated on a decade?

    xlntgson Friday, 09 November 2012 01:46 AM

    True! He intends to raise money on foreign liquor if the rich stop drinking that, what would happen?

    Mahendra Friday, 09 November 2012 01:45 AM

    My question is, will these foods reach the poor school children or will these be manupilated and sold outside to make a profit out of them? I think certain political `gundas' targeting these already, and this guess will come true!! If fdound guilty execute them by shooting.

    xlntgson Friday, 09 November 2012 01:38 AM

    Racy budget!

    Rukmal Friday, 09 November 2012 12:08 AM

    Not ALL,fast moving car prices will go down. LOL

    senavi Thursday, 08 November 2012 10:31 PM

    how much of the productive people's effort government and its overloaded staff is siphoning off?

    mike Thursday, 08 November 2012 10:14 PM

    Excellent Budget ... all but the members in the parliament no strong opposition .. all the rejected bad & thief's have been purchased by the others for the support.and here we go .. before the Budget most of the prices are up as usual .. before election..they apply the oilment for the dump fool population to lower the price of some items & after same old jokes ..keep voting... Rs.250.000 - Housing loan & racing cars reduced duties ....will feed the nation ..expect no surprise we are now 20 yrs behind the poor nation soon will become the last possibly another Somali..

    Meeharak_Citizens Thursday, 08 November 2012 10:39 AM

    SL driving an Lambo - wake up in the morning with a bottle of Kassip-pu....

    Rahmathullah Thursday, 08 November 2012 06:53 PM

    A very good comment. May be the President refer to thatched house or he is still in the era of the year he was born.

    Rahu Thursday, 08 November 2012 04:05 PM

    For Carlton rally

    R.Dias Thursday, 08 November 2012 02:58 PM

    the Budget was presented by the Finance Minister..why are you saying president at every statement...scared ?

    Kool Kool Thursday, 08 November 2012 01:47 PM

    Why worry?? 250,000 with 10% tax to build your house ....... this could be joke of the century. In which part of Sri Lanka a house could be built for Rs. 250,000/-??

    John Thursday, 08 November 2012 01:44 PM

    First lets stop import of fish - I was told in school 55 years ago that we are the only island in the world importing fish, we still are!

    Ralph Kern Thursday, 08 November 2012 01:42 PM

    Taxes oN Racing Cars to be reduced. What a Joke. MIHANDINA CHINTHA

    John Thursday, 08 November 2012 01:39 PM

    .....if you don't have bread eat cake?!

    MJ Thursday, 08 November 2012 01:26 PM

    finally I can buy that RACE CAR I always wanted - I hope that Maruti I've been looking at falls into the Race CAR category :D - I fully intend to race down the Wattala Streets with it

    justin Thursday, 08 November 2012 01:03 PM

    Sham as usual with budgets. This is a policy statement or intention not actuals that can work

    Chams Thursday, 08 November 2012 12:51 PM

    Media is also in his pocket now?

    Chams Thursday, 08 November 2012 12:49 PM

    Dad, sons and sons' friends planning to have night races regularly while common man is starving without food?

    Miracle of Asia!
    Suba Anagathayak!

    Ruchira Thursday, 08 November 2012 08:52 AM

    Rana wiruwo goda...RATA wiruwo kota uda....

    Ravi Seneviratne Thursday, 08 November 2012 09:18 AM

    Duties reduced for racing cars ???????????? , feather in the cap for night racing . i dont no , If i am to cry or laugh

    buffaloa citizen Thursday, 08 November 2012 09:18 AM

    Dont blame any country, it is the incompetence of the countries leader that has got us into this trap. When you fail to talk and trust the tamil who is your brother and neighbour but willing to trust a stranger from thousands of miles away promising wonders, that is ones own death trap.

    Nihal Amarasekera Thursday, 08 November 2012 09:18 AM

    Ordinary people (not the extraordinary politicians) are fed up of this so called annual budget. It’s a farce, an eye wash. Have ever the budget deficit bridged by the proposals proposed in the budget at the end of the year. Deficit keeps on widening. Why increasing the price of essential & non-essential with the budget on the horizon? Then claim budget is people friendly. They will come up with the usual “far sighted” tag.

    Phassy Thursday, 08 November 2012 09:14 AM

    Little Island going to be the Country in the planet forever!!!!
    Surprise!........!! Surprise.......!!!!!!!!

    true sri lankan Thursday, 08 November 2012 09:09 AM

    Please don't disappoint us again!

    buffaloa citizen Thursday, 08 November 2012 09:08 AM

    How come after applying so many benefits on repeated budgets, the agriculture sector is always in doldrums? Is it that these benefits are shown for popularity but actually not sorting the true issues of the agricultural sector?

    Soorarathne Thursday, 08 November 2012 09:07 AM

    It is just another political statement. The Budget Fundamentals have gone to dog.

    Soorarathne

    Pawl Paksa Thursday, 08 November 2012 09:05 AM

    First reduce unwanted expenses and luxry life and reduce ministers salries and packs. Then reduce all item price. Then ONLY THE MAHINDA CHINTANAY WILL BE SUBA CHINTANAYA TO PEOPLE OF THIS COUNTRY.

    Ruchira Thursday, 08 November 2012 08:57 AM

    100% agree with you Kool. I am also frustrated. They even took away the gift benefit vehicle permit that was given to expats. we work hard and send USD here to give permits to government members

    Adel Thursday, 08 November 2012 08:56 AM

    Surprise me, surprise 22,123,999 other Sri Lankans too, geniunely.......!!!!
    Thats all we will ask for. Thats it

    lalitha Thursday, 08 November 2012 08:52 AM

    notice that he has gold object in his right hand?

    hello Thursday, 08 November 2012 09:20 AM

    There is nothing about salary... useless budget

    Alisten Thursday, 08 November 2012 08:49 AM

    What will happen to the prices of food,, petrol, mediciine , i No new health plans, No allocation for develeopment. or infrastrucutre. The chinese are using prisioiners in Srilanka to build railway .Waht about Srilankan Army . Waste of resources.
    The counrty cannt rely on farmers.
    The counrty has no new invesments only some bad investores will come to srilanka and ruin the court.Corrupt again. Leading from China, Pakistan and India

    Dilan Thursday, 08 November 2012 08:37 AM

    Will he surprise us ?

    Andy Thursday, 08 November 2012 08:37 AM

    another eye wash...

    dxb Thursday, 08 November 2012 08:29 AM

    dont forget to budget for your ruling family members,
    wonder where is he going to get money for these?

    HaBus Thursday, 08 November 2012 08:29 AM

    But, we don't get a benefit off it. Just Robbin Peter to Pay Paul where the intermediary person (who are Politicos) reap the benefits.

    Kool Thursday, 08 November 2012 08:25 AM

    I think this year also ZERO benefits for expats. The government doesn't care about expats I think there idea is to drive poor and brainy people out of Sri Lanka to work abroad like slaves and send money to their poor families in SL. So by achieve more economic migration to a foreign country they can achieve that target of $4000 maybe even earlier than 2016 at this rate.

    Ruwan Thursday, 08 November 2012 08:22 AM

    I am against any handouts to anyone. Instead start on some kind of insurance scheme.

    Most Wanted Thursday, 08 November 2012 08:15 AM

    Give and Take Policy.....

    Muthu Thursday, 08 November 2012 08:14 AM

    Now that the war is over why isn't it possible to make the services of experienced and willing service personnel available to other countries which need such services.

    Miss Thursday, 08 November 2012 08:14 AM

    Happy about all the benefits given to the local farmers.

    hasan Thursday, 08 November 2012 12:00 AM

    all fast selling items increase with taxes or price. thats sri lankan budget via DM Android App

    hashhhsl Thursday, 08 November 2012 10:00 AM

    hello????? crazy boy, is that a Budget question? We in sri lanka called it a ring which comes in many shapes and sizes and even worn for a bad periods. talk scence not nonsence here.

    Meeharak_Citizens Thursday, 08 November 2012 10:29 AM

    F1 Fever. In SL.. GO Airtel!!! Good Job

    Meeharak_Citizens Thursday, 08 November 2012 10:27 AM

    President says that he intends to make Sri Lanka 50% self sufficient with big onions, dried chilies and potatoes.

    buffaloa citizen Thursday, 08 November 2012 10:28 AM

    Absolute truth....lets take a vote on this from our readers on this blog

    Ron Jeramy Thursday, 08 November 2012 10:20 AM

    Now the ???? can import racing cars for the private races . Or have they imported cars already?

    Jamis Banda Thursday, 08 November 2012 10:19 AM

    Who will be the shoe supplier ? Already selected ?

    laal Thursday, 08 November 2012 10:18 AM

    Rs.60 million is to be allocated for the 2013 Deyata Kirula exhibition which will be held in the Polonnaruwa, Ampara and Trincomalee districts. "WITH OUT BATTICALO"!!!!!!!!!

    Kondebandapuchhena Thursday, 08 November 2012 10:14 AM

    Selling lands to foreigners for tourism purposes is to be banned.But check who own the beach fronts from Wadduwa to Dickwella in the south and Passikudah,Trinco,Nilaweli,Negombo to Puttalam.most of them belongs to foreigners.you are too late Mr.President never late than never

    Ranjanp Thursday, 08 November 2012 10:14 AM

    this is very good speech but nothing inside.

    true sri lankan Thursday, 08 November 2012 10:12 AM

    Nothing interesting... lets wait and see tomorrow.

    citizen banda Thursday, 08 November 2012 10:12 AM

    hooch den & cough syrups are the way forward!!!

    Rajiv Thursday, 08 November 2012 12:00 AM

    what about car price is it low via DM Android App

    Zeplin Thursday, 08 November 2012 07:44 AM

    surprise me !!!

    Anu Thursday, 08 November 2012 09:55 AM

    MR says"Rs 200 million is to be allocated for the well being of journalists and artistes.

    a voter Thursday, 08 November 2012 09:54 AM

    Taxes reduced on vehicles involved in Racing. Good thing.. Our buses daily involved in racing. Will they also get tax reduction?

    rish Thursday, 08 November 2012 09:52 AM

    Keliya neda votca bottle ekatath

    Nadeesha Thursday, 08 November 2012 09:39 AM

    "Rs 306 billion is to be allocated to the education sector which will amount to 4.1% of the Gross Domestic Prodcution ( GDP)"
    (1) S.B. was telling they already allocated 5% earlier. So, is it reduced this time?
    (2) Is this for the two education ministries or adding defense budget for training (since SB may say it is a training and so under the education budget count)

    Mushi Thursday, 08 November 2012 12:00 AM

    Petrol disel prices will go up after budget.This is people friendly budget. via DM Android App

    MW Thursday, 08 November 2012 09:28 AM

    The Rs.50 increase in liquor still not read !!

    Kondebandapuchhena Thursday, 08 November 2012 09:26 AM

    Taxes are to be reduced for vehicles that are used for racing.biggest Joke

    Phassy Thursday, 08 November 2012 09:25 AM

    Surprise......!!!!! Surprise........!!!!! Little Island going to be a Formula one(F1) country for ever...... & ever.... !!!

    bigsam Thursday, 08 November 2012 09:23 AM

    Free shoes and uniforms not needed. Free education is enough. Someone's just going to make some bucks from this...

    Nadeesha Thursday, 08 November 2012 09:22 AM

    "Taxes are to be reduced for vehicles that are used for racing" for whom?


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