By Ajith Siriwardana and Yohan Perera   

Refuting allegations made against the Rajapaksas on the economic situation, former president Mahinda Rajapaksa said yesterday all decisions regarding financial management were taken with the approval of MPs in Parliament.  

 He told Parliament that no one can claim that decisions regarding financial management were taken arbitrarily.   

“Allegations were made against us in this House regarding the economic situation. We refute all those allegations. We can remember very well what those who talk about scrapping rights of various people had done those days. We urge those who talk about scrapping others’ rights to at least ensure rights of the people. We have carried out our duty of ensuring peoples’ rights throughout history,” he said.   

Mr. Rajapaksa said even for two decades down the history, decisions on financial management were taken with the approval of the MPs in the House. 

 
“Many have forgotten the powers of the legislature now. Even for two decades, we took decisions on financial management subject to MPs approval in Parliament. In such a situation, no one can imply that the decisions were taken arbitrarily. 

They may be uttering such things in public to gain political advantage,” he said.   

Speaking on the budget, Mr. Rajapaksa said the budget 2024 is a futuristic budget which had been prepared considering the last year’s budget.