A timely Budget for every segment

A cross section of Ministers interviewed by the Sunday Observer said Budget 2014 was a comprehensive Budget which has covered every segment of society with farsighted vision.

The Budget has taken into consideration practical issues and difficulties faced by the people in all sectors beginning from grassroot level. The Budget is timely and there is something for every segment of society.

External Affairs Minister Prof.G.L.Peiris

External Affairs Minister Prof.G.L.Peiris said this Budget combines development and welfare.

The most attractive proposal that I identify in the Budget 2014 is the proposal which has enabled the small and medium sector to access credit at a small interest or at no interest and it protects women in those sectors.

Because there is a lot of creativity in our villages and the main impediment is the lack of capital this issue has been largely solved in this Budget.

Pension for farmers is an exemplary proposal.

It has also laid emphasis on the service sectors, on shipping, professionals and others.

This is a complete Budget because it has offered something to every segment of society and thus is a timely Budget.

Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa

Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa said with the Rs.1200 allowance given to public servants, the total amount of allowances given to them would be Rs.7,800.

Annually the Government has to spend Rs.17 billion to provide this Rs.1200 allowance to 1.2 million public servants.

This is equal to the amount of money allocated to develop the rural economy. When the allocation is analysed, it can be seen as a burden on the Budget. By doing so, the intention of President Mahinda Rajapaksa is to strengthen the state sector and widen its services to the people.

Allowances have been given to special service areas in the state sector such as District Secretaries, Divisional Secretaries, Wildlife Officers and Veterinary Surgeons. The service rendered by officials in the public sector have been appreciated by providing them even a small allowance.

Environment and Renewable Energy Minister Susil Premajayantha

Environment and Renewable Energy Minister Susil Premajayantha said policy matters in the Budget, the budget proposals have been formulated following extensive discussions President had with various segments of society including trade unions, politicians and other organisations for the past three months. The Budget has paid attention on certain sectors which former Budgets had not taken into consideration. For example, Rs.4000 million has been allocated to develop minor irrigation, agriculture and infrastructure facilities in rural areas.

The cost of living allowance given to public servants and pensioners has been increased. There are not many changes on the imposition of taxes in the Budget 2014. The Budget has not put unnecessary tax burden on the public.

Senior Minister for International Monetary Cooperation Dr.Sarath Amunugama

Senior Minister for International Monetary Cooperation and Deputy Finance and Planning Minister Dr.Sarath Amunugama said this Budget was bent to continue with the 7 percent growth rate that we have achieved. The best test is to see the fiscal deficit.

It is gradually decreasing while all these social welfare measures such as commitment to education, health, science and technology are going on. We have contained the fiscal deficit to 5.2 percent which is a historic low level.

Petroleum Industries Minister Anura Priyadharshana Yapa

Petroleum Industries Minister Anura Priyadharshana Yapa said the Budget has provided relief to all sections including the working class, professionals, farmers, the self- employed, medium scale industrialists and pensioners. It has recommended similar programs for all sectors starting at grassroot level.

I see this as a Budget which contains a series of fresh proposals to increase efficiency and productivity in all segments.

Education Minister Bandula Gunawardena

Education Minister Bandula Gunawardena said when we are moving towards becoming the ‘wonder of Asia’, this is a Budget which will assist to build a production- based economy.

Economically this can be analysed as a budget which has laid emphasis to assist and give incentives to small and medium scale entrepreneurs and those who have engaged in tourism , plantation and agricultural sectors. This Budget encourages the production sector.

The cost of living allowance given to public servants has also been increased by Rs.1200. This is a balanced budget as it envisages a clear vision to develop the infrastructure facilities in rural areas.

Ports and Highways Projects Minister Rohitha Abeygunawardena

Ports and Highways Projects Minister Rohitha Abeygunawardena said the main Opposition has a responsibility to make their representation in Parliament. What the people expect from the Opposition is to raise a voice for them in Parliament and point out favourable and unfavourable proposals in the Budget.

But the present Opposition has turned into a lethargic Opposition. The Budget has safeguarded all segments of society including public servants, farmers and fishermen. It has also paved the way to expedite the ongoing development drive. The Budget is not confined to 2014.

When we are successfully moving towards becoming the ‘wonder of Asia’ by 2020, I see this Budget as a way forward to economically rebuild the country.

UNP General Secretary MP Tissa Attanayake

UNP General Secretary MP Tissa Attanayake said the Budget has put the entire tax burden on the public. It has imposed a Rs.25 tax even on reloads. The Budget has increased taxes imposed on essential food commodities. The Government through the imposition of these taxes anticipates Rs.12.8 billion income. This is a clear indication that the Government is going to survive next year through the income from taxes imposed on essential food items.

Every citizen has to pay a Rs.1500 tax. The Government has implemented the CHOGM Tax. To cover up the Budget deficit, the allocations made on the fertiliser subsidy, free school uniforms and text books have also been reduced.

Deputy Speaker Chandima Weerakkody

Deputy Speaker Chandima Weerakkody said I see this as a comprehensive Budget which has covered every segment of society with a long- term vision. Practical issues and difficulties faced by the people have been taken into consideration in the Budget.

People in all sectors from grassroot to the highest level in society. It has covered the highest of the business

community and the lowest as well. Professionals, education, health, culture and art sectors have also been taken into consideration. I believe this is one of the best Budgets covering all segments with a broad vision.