Budget 2010:

Observances of Govt front - benchers

By Uditha KUMARASINGHE

The Government Ministers described Budget 2010 as a road map which would lay a solid foundation to prepare work plans for the 2011 Budget scheduled to be presented in Parliament by President Mahinda Rajapaksa this November.

The Budget has given a clear picture of how the Government carried forward its infrastructure development initiatives despite serious financial constraints caused by the global economic downturn. The Government has made rapid progress in strengthening public services, improving islandwide educational, health and infrastructure facilities, the Ministers said.

Acting Finance Minister Dr. Sarath Amunugama said the Government anticipates a higher economic growth during this year. At present we have been able to achieve a seven percent growth rate. The Budget has formulated policies necessary for the 2011 Budget.

He said the Budget has not imposed any taxes to burden the people. At present the Opposition is out of date and out of power. That is why they make various irresponsible statements on the Budget. The UNP does not have a new vision; still they are in the era of late 1970.

"We did not present this Budget to fulfil any demand put forward by the IMF. This is not an IMF Budget. The IMF has pledged to grant the third tranche of US$ 417 million to the Government due to its viable economic policies. The IMF has pledged to grant loans to us because we have presented a good Budget."

The Government is anticipating an eight percent economic growth rate in the near future. Therefore our economy would move in good direction in the future, he said.

Media Minister Keheliya Rambukwella said the Budget has laid a solid foundation to rebuilt the country with more emphasis on infrastructure development and reconciliation. Many key areas mentioned in this Budget will be fully covered by the 2011 Budget to be presented in November this year. Therefore, this is an interim arrangement made for 2011 Budget, the Minister said.

Power and Energy Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka said the Budget has introduced a series of proposals for long-term development. The Budget has allocated a considerable amount of funds to develop the power and energy sectors. The intention of the Government is to provide "Electricity for all by 2015" under the ongoing rural electrification program together with improvements proposed for the transmission and distribution system. The Government through the 2011 Budget intends to provide a series of relief measurer to the ordinary people and the working class.

Labour Minister Gamini Lokuge said this Budget has given a good indication of the proposed development activities to be carried out by the 2011 Budget. The Budget has clearly stated on how the salaries of public servants will be increased by the 2011 Budget. At present the Government is studying the proposed pensions scheme to be introduced for the benefit of the private sector employees.

Petroleum Industries Minister Susil Premajayantha said the previous Parliament in November 2009 passed a Vote on Account for the first four months of 2010 in view of Presidential and Parliamentary Elections. The President in teams of the provisions of the Constitution authorised expenditure to be incurred for a further period of three months in 2010. Therefore the Government through this Budget seeks Parliamentary approval for expenditure for the remaining part of the year to carry out its activities.

Deputy Economic Development Minister Lakshman Yapa Abeywardene said the Budget has create the environment conducive to its welfare activities as planned. This Budget is the stepping stone to the 2011 Budget scheduled to be presented in November this year. The Government would present a sustainable Budget in November by providing a series of relief to the people.

Environment Minister Anura Priyadharshana Yapa described the Budget as an investment Budget which would help generate a large number of new employment opportunities. Hence the Budget could be identified as a development Budget.

"We have not presented this Budget to please anybody. It is to develop the country and ensure a better future of the people.

The Government has the right to accept or refuse any foreign loan", the Minister said.

UPFA MP Vasudewa Nanayakkara said the Budget has clearly outlined the Government's broad vision for economic reforms, and its commitment to refrain from privatising public assets. The Government would however pursue a viable alternative to neo-liberal economic reforms.

Chief Government Whip and Water Supply and Drainage Minister, Dinesh Gunawardene said the Budget has further ensured a confidence in investors and in the development programs initiated by the Government.

The Government would definitely accelerate economic growth and agricultural development by generating income of the rural community. The Government's infrastructure development and electricity and water supply projects will also continue as planned.

The Government would carry out its reforms in the education and health sectors as well. The Budget has laid emphasis on economic growth.

"All prediction of the Opposition have gone wrong. The charges levelled by the Opposition against the Government are baseless. The IMF approved the next tranche to Sri Lanka as they have placed more confidence in our economy."

Leader of the House and Irrigation and Water Management Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva said the Budget envisaged rapid development. It has allocated a large amount of funds for the development of roads water supply and irrigation. The Budget has presented a broad vision to strengthen our economy amidst adverse effects of the global economic recession. The Mahinda Chinthana has ensured rapid development in the country. The Budget has not curtailed subsidies given to the people. It has taken into consideration difficulties encountered by the poor people.

Higher Education Minister S.B. Dissanayake said we can be satisfied with the 2010 Budget proposals. The Budget has allocated sufficient funds to develop the higher education sector.