JVP demands 2010 budget

2 May 2010 07:32 am

By Kelum Bandara


The JVP, the largest party of the Democratic National Alliance led by General Sarath Fonseka, said today that they would mount pressure on the Government in Parliament to present a budget for 2010.

DNA MP Sunil Handunnetti speaking at a press conference stated that the Vote on Account approved by Parliament for a period of four months ended on May 1st and that the President, instead of presenting a budget, had now decided to apportion funds for the Ministries using his executive powers.
 

“According to the Constitution, the President can do so only when Parliament has been dissolved. Parliament does not stand dissolved today. It will meet this week.  The power over the country’s public finance is vested with Parliament in terms of the Constitution.
 

However, the President has now taken over this power to allocate money for the Ministries. We condemn this move,” the DNA MP said.