Ravi K calls on Opposition MPs to shed petty politics and build the nation

By Ashwin Hemmathagama

Summing up the Appropriation Bill 2016 program started with the Budget Speech presented to the Parliament on 20th November, Minister of Finance Ravi Karunanayke invited the lawmakers to reject petty party politics and join hands to develop Sri Lanka.

Making adjustments to his Budget Speech and the Appropriation Bill 2016, Minister Karunanayake said: “Fertilizer subsidy allocated for 2015 was Rs.35 billion. We have increased it to 37.5 billion from Budget. Fertilizer subsidy is now extended to vegetables and fruits as well. Tea, rubber and coconut will have a different program soon. MP Bandula Gunawardena mislead the House when we have provided the details of the allocation made to education sector. He claims the inclusion of Rs.121.4 billion for Government investment on land and building maintenance is wrong. But this was included following international standards and to match the allocation in terms of the GDP. I am disappointed about his attempts to convey the wrong message. We have allocated Rs.167.6 billion for recurrent in total But having reduced the Rs.121.4 billion in question the actual allocation is Rs.46.2 billion. Compared with 2014, this is an increase of Rs.8.9 billion. We have also allocated Rs.18.4 billion for capital expenditure. From the Budget Speech I read additional allocation of Rs.63.95 billion for capital expenses and Rs.1 billion for recurrent has been allocated.”

Criticizing former President Kurunegala District MP Mahinda Rajapakshe for not taking part in the budget debate and being absent for the division, Minister Karunanayaka charged him for taking the pension as well as the salary together. “Including his pension of Rs.97,000/-, fee for keeping a secretary of Rs.50,000/- he withdraws Rs.397,000/- on a monthly basis as a part of his pension benefit. On the other side he continues to enjoy the benefits for MPs,” charged Minister Karunanayake.

“There are 1,261,000 state employees and 551,000 pensioners in Sri Lanka. For 2015, Government is to borne Rs.167 billion to pay the pensions. At the rate of ageing population taken into consideration many Sri Lankan will retire soon and this will be a growing burden for the Government. So, we have allocated Rrs.1 billion as a start up for a contributory pension scheme for the new state employees. Opposition Leader complained about less moneys allocated for the development of the Northern. But we consider this country as a whole. We will develop all part of this country. Emission test price increase will not be for three wheelers and motor cycles. The increased amount of Rs.5,000/- will be collected by Department of Motor Vehicles and add to the consolidated fund. Abolishing the transaction cost will encourage the stock market activities. The closure of business will be Rs.50,000/-. People who owns 15% or more shares should have to have a chair in the company. But the particular shareholders have the right to reject it. In terms of banks share ownership is reduced for 10%. Foreigners are not exempted from the current laws in obtain land. But they will have land on 99-year lease. I remind you the last Government giving away free hold land in Port City,” he added.