Rumours of tariff increases in electricity, water and telephone baseless: Ravi K

• Says no-confidence motion poses no challenge 

Finance Minister Ravi Karunanayke says that rumours of an impending increase in water, electricity and telephone bills due to 2016 budget proposals are without any basis. He assured that the government would never heap unnecessary burden on the people.

The Minster stated this at a foundation laying ceremony held yesterday  at Bodhi amudrarama Vihara, Mutwal. 

He  donated Rs. 50,000 to the chief incumbent of the temple, the venerable Thumbe Upananda thera for the ongoing development activities of the Temple. 

Meanwhile the Minister also visited the Sri Bodhirajaramaya Temple, Thotalanga and donated Rs. 50,000 to the chief incumbent, the venerable Nivitigala Gnaninda thera for the proposed new building of the temple. 

Responding to queries of journalists covering the event, the Minister said that  the no-confidence to be moved against him allegedly by some opposition MPs would not pose any threat to him. 

Speaking further, the Minister said, “Through this budget we restored many privileges that have been denied to the people during the past 11 years. It is said that this no-confidence motion is to be moved by a group who lined their pockets with public funds. Since they are no longer able to abuse public funds, they have resorted to these methods. I don’t consider this as a challenge in any way. Some say that the budget has given nothing to the people. Still some others claim a no-confidence motion would be moved. However, from the very next day of the budget, the people have felt the relief given through the budget. Investments have been increased. Small and medium scale enterprises have been rejuvenated. “ 

Colombo Municipal Councilors Tharanga Athuraliya, Roy Bogahawatta, Aluthgedara Chaminda and Sunil Vithanage and a large number of residents from the area were present on the occasion. 

Photos –

The Minister handing over a cash donation to Chief Incumbent of Sri Bodhirajarama, venerable Nivitigala Gnanninda thera

The Minister handing over a cash donation to Chief Incumbent of Sri Bodhi Samudrarama, venerable Thumbe Upananda thera