Ranil backs off
Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe making a special announcement in Parliament yesterday (14th) retreated from the earlier position of the government of slashing, from the budget proposals for 2016, several benefits state employees have been enjoying. He stated that the government was prepared to refrain from slashing such benefits. The move is in response to the threatened island wide one day strike that was to be held today.
Accordingly, it was announced that Rs.2000 would be added to the basic salary of state employees, the proposed immersion tax of Rs.5000 would be reduced to Rs.1500, vehicle revenue license fee would be reduced and an announcement was made that the pension rights of state employees would not be abolished.
However, there was no mention regarding serious issues such as joining EPF and ETF to create a separate fund, slashing of pawning facility in banks and removing leasing facilities.
The Prime Minister also failed to mention regarding more destructive proposals such as selling lands to foreigners and abolishing foreign exchange act.
