Budget aimed at encouraging farmer - Prime Minister

Irangika Range, Sandasen Marasinghe and Disna Mudalige

Prime Minister D. M. Jayaratne yesterday stated that Sri Lanka should translate the glory earned on the battlefield against terrorism into a victory over economic development.

Making this statement at the budget debate in Parliament yesterday, the Prime Minister said a budget is a massive project aimed at the development of the country.

He said the budget is designed to empower the public so that the members should not discourage the public. He also stated that if the public were encouraged to consume flour based products, we will become subservient to their habits.

He also questioned as to why the Opposition encourages the public to consume bread, when they can consume rice or rice based products for all three meals.

He said our country at various times in history had achieved self- sufficiency in food, but our country is today too dependent on imported foods due to various reasons.

The Prime Minister asserted that it was the responsibility of both governing party and the Opposition to uplift the economy. Both have to work together in achieving the goal.

This budget has concentrated on improving national production.

He also offered that the budget is also aimed at encouraging the farmer and this is a very appreciative feature of it.