'Vote on account not new'

Dharma Sri Abeyratne

The Vote On Account is not new to our country as the first vote on account was presented in 1931 by Sir. D.B. Jayathilaka, Media Minister Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena said yesterday.

The Media Minister was addressing a press conference yesterday said after Independence in 1948, eight votes on account had been presented from time to time. Since the ministries of the Government may change after the general election, a vote on account will most probably be presented instead of a budget, Minister Abeywardena added.

"A General Election and the Presidential Election will have to be held early next year probably before April. As everyone is aware, it is needless to present a budget when a General Election is near at hand," he added.