Budget will expedite development

by Naalir Jamaldeen

There is no substance in criticisms levelled against the budget by the Opposition that the budget had targeted the election. Such criticisms had been made in the past too.

The budget was prepared in keeping with the needs of the country and to expedite the ongoing development drive, Investment Promotion Minister Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena told the Sunday Observer yesterday.

He said some prominent UNP members will join the Government soon. After the Uva Provincial Council election the UNP thinks it won the hearts of people. After some UNP members joined the Government, the UNP will have to reorient its strategies.

President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s recent tour of villages bears ample evidence of support from all sections of the people, the Minister said. President Rajapaksa has proved his concern for the people by producing a people-friendly budget.

Most of the Opposition members have realised that it is not easy to secure a victory in the Presidential election, Minister Abeywardena said. One could see the collapse of the UNP soon. During the budget debate all sorts of criticisms were levelled against the Government. Criticising the budget is nothing new, the Minister said. The Government did not prune any welfare facilities, he said.

The funds have been allocated to ensure a decent livelihood for the poor people in the urban areas and children in villages, the Minister said.

The Government provides the fertiliser subsidy at Rs. 350 uninterruptedly. The Government has its own mechanism to ensure an adequate income for the masses, he said.