SLFP to support mini-budget

5 February 2015 03:44 pm - 17 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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The main opposition, Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) said today it would support the interim budget presented by the new government with a host of measures to give relief to the people.

Opposition Leader Nimal Siripala de Silva during the debate on the interim budget said there were populist measures announced in the budget to cushion the cost-of-living burden and as such his party would support the budget.

He said his party would make a constructive criticism on some of the budgetary provisions which seem unrealistic.

"This is nothing new but an alteration of the budget we presented. The new government has cut some of the allocations we made and used them to increase allocations to some other sectors. Anyway, this budget can be passed only with the support of the opposition. Therefore, we also deserve credit for it. Without our support, the budget will not be realised," Mr. de Silva said.

He said it was questionable whether the government could raise sufficient revenue to meet the expenditure which would result in handing out these benefits.
"The government has announced Rs.20,000 for an expectant mother. Annually, around 400,000 babies are born. It means the government needs Rs.8 billion for this purpose but only Rs.2 billion had been allocated," he said.(Kelum Bandara and Yohan Perera)

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Comments - 17

Fernndo Friday, 06 February 2015 03:36 PM

Giving sahana out of onetime tax collections ? Once again cheating the public to get votes

ranmala Saturday, 07 February 2015 01:38 AM

They have to toe the line to save the maha( Mara) Hora. That is the agreement between the govt. and opposition

Aba Jayasekera Friday, 06 February 2015 08:10 PM

It is the proposer who gets the credit and not the supporter who will be ousted if he does not support

TONY Friday, 06 February 2015 07:33 PM

WHAT ARE YOU UPTO NS

Ikasrus Friday, 06 February 2015 06:57 PM

Is Maithipala from UNP or SLFP? If he is the chairman of SLFP then how come Nimal Sripala who represent SLFP becomes the leader of the opposition.

willowsd Friday, 06 February 2015 06:19 PM

there is no difference whether you support or not we all know what you did during the last 9 years - robbed the poor, we will show you what you deserved at June elections.

Kavan Ratnayaka Friday, 06 February 2015 05:49 PM

You have not understood the budget at all. It was clearly stated that this Rs. 20,000 is only for low income mothers. Not for everyone. So the govt. has estimated only 25% of the new babies are born to poor families. That is how they have ended up with 2 billion and not 8 billion.

Vernon Friday, 06 February 2015 05:23 PM

Could be with part of the money he got from pharmaceutical dealers and 3% from Irrigation Contrcators

Nilan Friday, 06 February 2015 03:50 PM

Bush You had better stay in USA, Please do not come to Sri Lanka. My native place is badulla and we see the difference of badulla and what Mr. Nimal has done

Senator Thursday, 05 February 2015 09:22 PM

Was it a budget or a Dole out?

leena Friday, 06 February 2015 02:58 PM

Sri Lanka has a new birth rate of 0.913%. How in the world do we have 400000 new births per year ??

dham Friday, 06 February 2015 12:35 PM

You are so unlucky so missed presidential nomination just a second. via DM Android App

Sri Lankan Friday, 06 February 2015 12:24 PM

If opposition show its strength at the parliament, Sri Lankan people will show their strength at the next general election.

Woman Friday, 06 February 2015 11:09 AM

Ha Ha! Man, Let the Opposition try it - They are CERTAIN to win the General Elections then. High Hopes - they will now be losers for many more years to come. Godd for NS though - "LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION" - Cabinet level.

Man Friday, 06 February 2015 10:17 AM

The opposition must show the strength by voting against it and fulfill the aspirations of the betel leaf voters, last time.

Globe_Bush Friday, 06 February 2015 08:12 AM

During My Last Visit - went to Badulla - I was able to see what this man has done to badulla ( nothing ) but sure his pocket must be Full.Mr Leader of the Opersitition do you all work for the people or make the people to fill your pockets.With so much of cases in the Bribery commission you people have fill in your pockets.The Brother of my ( 1 No my country 2 My Country 3 My County ) is in USA now saying ( 1 USA 2 USA 3 USA ) thanks to my Brother I was able to build my mansion in USA ..

Poor Man Kalpesh Thursday, 05 February 2015 11:31 PM

A piece of advice to our Opposition Leader. When you were with MR you filled your pockets and not the poor man. If dont support the mini budget at the next general election people will teach you a good lesson. This government can save billions because we dont have MR in power. How much MR wasted on various expenses. So please careful when you open the mouth next time.

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SLFP to support mini-budget

Comments - 17

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