State minister of finance Ranjith Siyambalapitiya has asked the opposition to point out any expenses to be curtailed from the list of the country’s priority expenditures.
Speaking in parliament, he asked if the opposition wanted an election held by cutting the payment of salaries, pensions, Samurdhi and other relief allowances, expenses for medical supplies etc.
With regard to the Rs. 10 billion allocation from the budget for the LG polls, the state minister claimed a budget is an assumption of income and expenditure.
Such assumptions cannot be exercised when there is a contracted economy, he said.
Meanwhile, the Election Commission has been informed by the finance secretary that its letter asking for funds for the election has been
referred to the subject minister for approval.
Chairman of the commission Nimal Punchihewa said the ministry secretary has informed that his approval alone is insufficient to release the money in view of the prevailing situation.
