Handling of economy:

Socialist Alliance commends government

Priyanka KURUGALA

The Socialist Alliance has congratulated the government for maintaining a stable economy with a steady growth rate of eight percent inspite of global economic crises.

Addressing the media, General Secretary of the Lanka Sama Samaja Party and Senior Minister Prof Tissa Vitharana said, by now the LSSP has submitted certain proposals pertaining to the Budget to the President. The party expects that, these proposals will be included in the forthcoming Budget.

This was revealed at a press conference at the Dr N M Perera Center, Borella yesterday.

The LSSP has proposed to the government to re-activate the cooperative moment to reduce the cost of living. The party mentions that, according to the government's policy, self- sufficiency is the real answer to solve many problems and provide essential items like sugar, dhal at reduced prices. Therefore, the cooperative system is the best and only movement that can protect consumers from middleman,' he said.

In order for the country to face the various challenges, it is imperative that the economy is strong which could face any global crisis. The Socialist Alliance has already presented their proposals regarding the budget to the government. Increasing taxes on luxury goods has also being proposed to reduce the weight of taxes on the common people. Some of the other proposals put foward is promoting investment banking, venture capital etc to channel private investment, the minister said.

'Increasing the monthly salary of government servants by Rs 2,500 and the basic minimum in the private sector to Rs 12,500 has also been mooted', he said.

Strengthening public transport, particularly the railway and the CTB is a good solution to the present transport problems.

The party requests the government to activate the Senake Bibile drug policy to reduce the high cost of drugs.

'Further, the LSSP proposes to promote facilities to develop science and technology and wants the government to invest 0.4 percent of GDP on the promotion of science and technology', he explained.

Communist Party General Secretary DEW Gunasekara said, due to Sri Lanka having developed its agricultural sector the country has the ability to face any global crisis.

Democratic Left Front Deputy Secretary GBD Thilakasiri and Socialist Alliance General Secretary Raja Kollure also participated in this event.