Opposition questions govt. over MPs’ access to decentralised budget funds

By Yohan Perera and Ajith Siriwardana   

The opposition yesterday questioned as to whether the government is ready to allow the MPs to implement their own projects through the decentralised budget.   

The questioning took place when President Anura Kumara Dissanayake announced Rs 10 million would be allocated to each MP from the decentralised budget for their projects.   

The opposition then said MPs were not allowed to implement their projects in the constituencies even last year, after the NPP government came into power.   

“We will allow your projects if you send us your proposals. Isn’t it a good thing? ” the President asked.   

The opposition made a noise during that time, with a number of MPs responding together.   

“We can go back to the old system if you don’t prefer our new proposals,” he added.   

The President did mention that the old procedure with regard to the decentralised budget was problematic.