• Cabinet has failed to put country’s finances in place

By Yohan Perera and Ajith Siriwardana 

Former Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe yesterday proposed bringing in a resolution for Legislature to take over public finance.

Speaking in Parliament, Mr. Wickremesinghe proposed bringing in a Resolution on Parliamentary Control of Public Finance. He said it is possible under Article 148 of the constitution. 

“Cabinet has failed to put the country’s finances in place. Therefore, what should be done now is for the legislature to take control of finances. This is possible through bringing in a resolution on parliamentary control of public finances, which is possible through section 148 of the constitution. Parliament can even meet on April 11 and do the needful,” Mr. Wickremesinghe said. 

Also he reiterated that it is possible to request the World Bank to establish a consortium to support Sri Lanka which comprises Japan, US and other major countries. 

Mr. Wickremesinghe who stressed the need to address the food issue said even a delegation composed of members of the opposition could be sent to countries such as Bangladesh, Pakistan and India to negotiate in obtaining food. 

“Sri Lanka’s overdraft has reached one trillion rupees and the country is being run painstakingly. “Api yanne rim eken” he said in Sinhalese. Also, he said the Indian assistance will give Sri Lanka breathing space only up to the second week in May,” he added. 

• Also he reiterated that it is possible to request the World Bank to establish a consortium to support Sri Lanka which comprises Japan, US and other major countries