If Opposition willing Govt. wants fresh crack at VoA amendment: Bandula

• Claims UNP’s opposition has muddled public finances

By Nuwan Senarathna

The Government yesterday expressed its willingness to present the amendment to the Vote on Account (VoA) again next week in parliament, after it was abandoned when the United National Party-led Opposition refused to support the move.

The Government attempted to amend the VoA to obtain an additional sum of Rs. 367 billion for Government expenses and increase the limit on borrowing. However, the Opposition opposed the Government’s attempt to raising the limit on borrowing. 

Information Technology and Innovations Minister Bandula Gunawardena

Speaking to the media, Information and Mass Media Minister Bandula Gunawardana said that if the Opposition agreed to support the amendment to the VoA, the Government would consider presenting it in Parliament again.

“If Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa is genuinely concerned about the wellbeing of citizens, he should support us to amend the VoA. The amendments will allow the Government to settle arrears, which will help the public service function smoothly,” he said.

Gunawardana pointed out that the Government’s decision to obtain additional funds was done in good faith. He added that the money would have been used to pay contractors and suppliers but now due to a lack of support by the Opposition, the Government was unable to settle the payments.

“We need money to buy essentials such as medicine, if not that could put patients’ lives in danger. We also need to buy fertiliser and settle loans from banks. The Opposition’s move placed vulnerable parties in a difficult position,” Gunawardena asserted.

He reiterated that Rs. 367 billion was needed to recompense the outstanding payments of the previous Government. Gunawardana stated that the Government had to honour the payments of the previous administration. He also charged that the previous Government demonstrated poor financial management and shirked responsibilities that had to be taken up by the new administration.