Concessions to public, top priority in budget

Disna Mudalige

The government, while giving top priority to key factors of the local economy, will never fail to provide concessions to the public in the upcoming budget, Media and Information Minister Keheliya Rambukwella said.

Responding to a question by a journalist at the Cabinet press briefing at the ministry auditorium yesterday, the minister said the government did not cease to provide concessions to the public even during the war. He said the recent drought affected the plantation and agricultural sectors as well as production and service sectors which are key contributors to the country's gross domestic product.

The minister said the government provided Rs 4,606 million worth relief to the people affected by the drought. He said the world economic recession and the latest situation with regard to the import of crude oil from Iran have also affected the economy negatively.

The minister said the country's income must be generated within the country through efficient financial management.

He said the government is keen on maintaining the inflation below single digit level and the balance of payment in a more controlled level, adding that the budget would also cater to these targets.