Consolidated Fund allocation constitutional - Speaker

Irangika RANGE and Sandasen MARASINGHE

Speaker Chamal Rajapaksa said yesterday the President allocating funds from the Consolidated Fund to cover state expenses without presenting a budget or vote on account was constitutional and in accordance with law. The President had allocated Rs. 440,147 million from the Consolidated Fund to maintain the public service and pay off the loans using powers vested on him by Section 150 (3) of the Constitution.

Therefore, the constitution has not been violated, he said.

Speaker Rajapaksa also said defining the terms and sections of the Constitution was a task of the Supreme Court.

He made this announcement yesterday in response to a queries raised by Colombo District UNP MP Wijayadasa Rajapaksa who said releasing of funds from the Consolidated Fund by the President without Parliament approval was against the Constitution.

MP Rajapaksa Tuesday said the supreme fiscal responsibility is a matter which comes under the purview of Parliament and not the President.