Finance state minister Ranjith Siyambalapitiya questions as to how the government could provide funds for the local government polls as per a court ruling when there is no money available.
He has told ‘Rathu Katta’ programme of Neth News that the government was also concerned by predictions that the rupee will depreciate against the US dollar again.
Meanwhile, the Government Press wants another Rs. 20 million to resume printing work relating to the LG polls.
It has so far received Rs. 40 million out of a projected total expenditure of Rs. 533 million.
Its senior spokesman said printing worth Rs. 150 million has already taken place to account for 75 percent of the postal ballot papers.
Police have promised protection for the printing work starting within the next four to five days, he also said.
The Supreme Court on March 03 issued an interim injunction to the finance secretary and the attorney general against withholding funds for the election.
The next hearing of a related FR petition filed by SJB general secretary Ranjith Madduma Bandara is on May 26.
A few days ago, Siyambalapitiya asked the opposition during a speech to the House to point out any expenses to be curtailed from the list of the country’s priority expenditures in order to release funds for the LG polls.
Meanwhile, SLPP MP Premnath C. Dolawatte has raised a point of privilege, and said parliament has the powers to act in instances of violation of powers and privileges arising from clause 4 (c) of the constitution.
Related News:
Opposition told to point out expenses to be curtailed
Dolawatte challenges Supreme Court ruling
