Govt to pay over Rs. 9b overdues for acquired lands
 

BY SHIRAJIV Sirimane

PRESIDENT Mahinda Rajapakse said the Government has to pay over Rs. 9 billion to people whose lands were acquired by the Government for various purposes and ordered officials to speed up these payments.

The President making his first official visit and inspection tour to the Finance Ministry yesterday met the staff and said most of these amounts were for road development.

The President who is also the Minister of Finance noted that only around 20 per cent of foreign aid received to Sri Lanka is being used and urged Government officials to act in a more responsible manner to make the best use of the foreign aid.

It was pointed out that only US $ 800 million was used in 2004 and this increased to US $ 850 million the following year. Nearly US $ one billion was used in 2005.

The President said the Government must ensure to increase this to around 25 per cent in 2006. He requested the Treasury to release the funds for Ministries early in the year so that they could allocate funds for development projects.

"Similarly local resources too are under utilised and this too should be addressed," he said.

The President also directed officials to minimise red tape specially when recruitments are being done to Government institutions.

He noted that there are over 1,000 vacancies for various departments in the Finance Ministry and they should be provided employment immediately. He urged that preference should be given to the graduates.

When Inland Revenue, Excise and Customs Department officials pointed out that the delay was due the inactivity of the State Service Commission and they have to follow the Government procedure, the President ordered Cabinet approval be sought to employ them.

"Do not delay things which halt the progress of the country simply because you have to follow procedure. Also look at practical things. If applicants have the qualifications employ them," he said.

The President said under no circumstances would he authorise the printing of money, which would result in high inflation.

The President said he would call a progress review meeting of Finance Ministry officials every month and wanted a progress report every month.

Deputy Finance Minister Ranjith Siyambalapitiya, Senior Economic Advisor to the President Ronnie de Mel, Treasury Secretary Dr. P.B. Jayasundara and Finance Ministry officials were present. The President participated in religious observances before his official tour to the Finance Ministry.