Budget a deception, says Bandula

BY BHARATHA Malawaraarachchi

THE United National Party yesterday claimed that the UPFA was trying to deceive the people by presenting a fraudulent budget before the Presidential election in violation of all traditions and norms.

"They are attempting to present Sri Lanka's most fraudulent budget as their last trump as they are unable to prevent the victory of the UNP at the Presidential Election," UNP Colombo district MP Bandula Gunawardena told a media briefing yesterday at the Opposition Leader's office.

He said it has been announced that this budget will be presented on November 8.

"It is strange that although the budget is presented on November 8, the voting will be taken after the Presidential election. This is unprecedented and they are trying to bribe the people."

Gunawardena recalled that no budget has ever been presented in Sri Lanka during an election period in the country's post independence history.

"Only supplementary estimates have been presented," he said. Gunawardena said the voting of the budget had been postponed since the Government knows that it will get defeated if a voting is held.

"They are making a mockery out of Parliament. The international community will also react in a tough manner to this kind of irresponsible acts and such action will drastically affect the whole country."

He noted that the Government was trying to bring this budget just to counter the election manifesto presented by UNP leader Ranil Wickremesinghe.

"They are unable to face the UNP's 'People's agenda' programme which presented a realistic action plan to resolve the country's burning problems."

"Now, the JVP's Propaganda Secretary Wimal Weerawansa has announced that most proposals in Prime Minister Rajapakse's manifesto would be included in this budget."

"I am not surprised if this budget would promise the public a loaf of bread at Rs. 9.50, a salary increase of Rs 3,000 to Government servants, fertiliser at Rs 350, a guaranteed price of Rs 18 for a kilo of paddy etc which will never be fulfilled."

Gunawardena requested the President and the Finance Minister not to entertain the JVP's requests as it could take the country into a crisis.

"The JVP is trying to disrupt public finance. As a responsible opposition, we cannot allow such a move," he said.

He explained the PA and the JVP had even failed to fulfil the promises given at the previous general election when they formed the alliance Government.

Gunawardena said Opposition parties are planning to meet the Elections Commissioner and also legal experts for their opinion on this before taking action.