MINISTERS CLAIM THE BUDGET GRANTS RELIEF TO ALL SECTORS WHILE EFFECTING DEVELOPMENT

Ministers of the United People’s Freedom Alliance Government have underlined that the 2012 budget was a successful budget which grants relief to all sectors while equally maintaining development and the welfare of the people. The Ministers laid this emphasis during a specially summoned news briefing at the Information Department.

Senior Minister Dr. Sarath Amunugama noted that the country had achieved a commendable economic growth of over 8 percent during the past two years. These proposals are aimed at sustaining and further enhancing this growth trend. It is only a handful of nations among developing countries which can achieve economic growth in this manner. He said a road for every village was being provided. Main roads are being carpeted while electricity was being provided for every house in addition to drinking water for every village. Minister Amunugama opined that Sri Lanka can reach the top among the developing nations when the goals among the human development units were achieved.
Minister Bandula Gunawardena said this is the budget in which the highest allocations had been made to increase the production of readymade garments, enhance the earnings of the people and also generate more jobs. He pointed out that 497 billion rupees had been set aside to develop the infrastructure. Many domestic airports were being expanded while five harbours were being developed at the same time. State finance and tax relief needed toe the expansion of the commercial sector have also been granted. The Minister said that 200 billion rupees is allocated for health and education. The Father of Free Education Dr. C.W.W. Kannangara revolutionized education with 54 Central Colleges. The budget has been prepared to develop 1000 such schools and 5000 primary schools to improve the knowledge.
Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka said that the the unemployment rate had been brought down to 4.5 percent. Inflation was being controlled at a single digit. He also said that the interest ratio has been controlled. The Minister added that the budget contained 36 steps which would make direct financial contributions and 64 steps for development.
Ministers Maithripala Sirisena and Rauff Hakeem, Parliamentarian Dilum Amunugama and Government Information Director General Prof. Ariyaratne Ethugala joined in this news briefing.