There is a move to misuse funds during elections under the guise of bringing a vote on account, JVP MP Bimal Ratnayake alleged in parliament today.

Mr. Ratnayake said there is a possibility of government misusing funds in the guise of a vote on account. He said misuse is possible as only expenditure is shown in a vote on account unlike in the case of a budget where both expenditure and revenue is stipulated. “Government will be able to spend any amount for anything as revenue figures will not show in a vote on account,” he said.

Prime Minister Wickremesinghe mentioned that a decision has been made to bring in a vote on account as a result of the presidential elections which is to be held in November or in December this year. “Sources of revenue will not change in the case of a vote on account while funds will be allocated for various expenditure,” the Prime Minister said. He said funds will be allocated only for existing programmes.

Also, he said it would be possible to hold a special debate on the economic situation in the country if the opposition makes a request. (Yohan Perera and Ajith Siriwardana)