MPs commend development-oriented budget

Uditha Kumarasinghe, Irangika Range and Sandasen Marasinghe

Most MPs expressing views on the budget submitted by President Mahinda Rajapaksa stated that it was a people friendly and development oriented budget encouraging local production.

Media and Information Minister Anura Priyadarshana Yapa stated that it was a development oriented budget strengthening local production. Owing to the imposition of taxes on imported goods imports will be discouraged enhancing local production.

The decrease of fuel prices provides immense benefits to consumers as it reduces the inflation rate. Minister Yapa also stated that the budget had provided relief for public servants and pensioners. Power and Energy Minister W. D. J. Seneviratne commenting on the budget stated it was specially designed aiming at regional and rural development. Through the allocation of funds for the "Maga Neguma" and "Gama Neguma" projects regional development and rural development will be expedited.

The reduction of the price of a litre furnace oil used for the generation of electricity to Rs 45 will benefit the Electricity Board. Owing to the high price of the furnace oil the Government suffered a loss of Rs 4200 million. The decrease of petrol, diesel and kerosene prices through the budget will benefit all.

Education Minister Susil Premajayantha said the budget has allocated a considerable amount for education.

"The budget could be accepted as a people friendly one. It provides more relief for low income families in many ways such as providing Rs 200 monthly allowance for children between the age of 1 to 5 in Samurdhi and low income estate families. Construction and Engineering Services Minister Rajitha Senaratne said President Mahinda Rajapaksa submitted the budget at a moment when the entire world is faced with a critical economic crisis. At such a juncture the UNP introduced an alternate budget with the hope that the Government wold face difficulties. But this budget has granted relief for all rich and poor through proposals like fuel prices. This budget itself shows the future direction of this country.

Foreign Employment Promotion and Welfare Minister Keheliya Rambukwella commenting the budget said it has addressed all types of sectors in an equitable manner. MP Basil Rajapaksa said it has granted numerous incentives to improve local production while taking care of security concerns. Relief measures for electricity, fuel and water have been provided to reduce the burdens of the people.

Production and rural economy will be empowered while measures have been taken to reduce the COL.

National Freedom Front leader Wimal Weerawansa commenting on the budget said this budget has not been influenced by liberalism or international pressure.

JVP Parliamentary group leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake expressing the party's views on the budget said it has imposed excessive taxes on the public. MP Vinayagamoorthy Muralitharan (Karuna Amman) expressing his views on the budget said President Mahinda Rajapaksa always extends his hands of cooperation for the well-being of Tamil speaking people with sincere love and affection.