Live Blog: Budget 2013
8 November 2012 07:34 am
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.