Masses hail Govt's mini-budget

Mohammed Naalir and Rafik Jalaldeen

Many views were expressed yesterday hailing the Government's mini-budget particularly across the broad relief to the public and key sectors of the economy.

United Christian Democratic Party General Secretary K.A. John Joseph Alexander Perera commended the mini-budget introduced by President Mahinda Rajapaksa as an immediate measure to minimise the cost of living.

He described the mini-budget as a New Year gift presented by the President to the poor.

Perera said the price reduction of diesel and kerosene oil will help the fishing community to develop the industry.

He said following the reduction of diesel and kerosene prices, there was a possibility of the price of fish coming down.

He also requested the authorities to grant a petrol concession to motorcycles below 120 CC capacity.

Assistant Secretary of Professionals' Association M.K.M. Naufar said at a time the world was facing an economic crisis, President Rajapaksa had done a great service to the public by reducing the prices of the essential commodities.

He said the working class will specially benefit with the reduction of the prices of essential commodities.

It is the best singular across the board relief package granted to the public under any President, especially at a time of global economic crisis, All Island Three-wheeler Drivers' Welfare Association President Lalith Dharmasekera said.

Dharmasekera said President Rajapaksa's relief package will benefit many sectors in addition to the direct impact on the consumers.

"This is the first time the Government had presented a mini-budget after its annual budget. It will offer relief to the public who had been undergoing difficulties," he added.

Providing 75 litres of petrol per month at Rs. 20 below the market price for three-wheelers drivers will help raise the income of three-wheeler operatives while easing travel costs of the public. When three-wheelers have metres fixed, the public will not be cheated and malpractices can be prevented. Tri-shaw owners can also earn an extra income," Dharmasekera said.

He said certain elements were using the public for political gains to prevent economic developments carried out by the Government and the public should be aware of that.

"Demonstrations can be staged if there are any benefit for the country but not to collapse the current situation," he added.

He said President Rajapaksa has shown his ability to develop the country by offering a massive relief to the public.

Agriculture and Plantation Workers' Congress President R.M. Krishnaswami said the Government's efforts to provide 50 kg of mixed fertilizer at Rs. 1,000 and to maintain Rs. 45 for a kilo of tea leaves will benefit the estate sector, particularly small estate holders.

"The estate sector is indebted to the President for granting a relief package," Krishnaswami said.