President, Basil discuss relief budget

Ahead of Presidential Elections

• Duo met for one hour

By Kelum Bandara 

In an obvious move targeting the Presidential Election next year, President Ranil Wickremesinghe, in his meeting with Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) National Organizer Basil Rajapaksa, discussed yesterday the importance of announcing some relief measures for people in the upcoming budget.

The President and Mr. Rajapaksa met as part of their regular political engagements. President’s Chief of Staff Sagala Ratnayake was also present at the meeting, which lasted for about one hour.

Mr. Rajapaksa is reported to have requested the President to ensure that relief measures are worked out for people in the budget, but in a manner that will not hamper the implementation of reforms under the programme with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). 

Besides, the SLPP asked the government to ensure job security for people of the state institutions earmarked to be reformed and liquidated under the IMF programme.
Mr. Rajapaksa also briefed the President about the current progress of the political activities of SLPP.