Cabinet gives nod to table Rs.695bn supplementary budget

The Cabinet approval has been granted to table a Rs.695 billion supplementary budget in parliament in order to maintain essential public services without disruptions.

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe in his capacity as Minister of Finance, Economic Stabilisation, and National Policies sought the approval of the Cabinet of Ministers on Monday to present the supplementary estimate to parliament for the provision of Rs.695 billion under “Budget Assistance Services and Emergency Responsibilities” project of the National Budget Department.

Cabinet Co-Spokesperson and Minister of Transport and Highways and Mass Media Bandula Gunawardana noted that majority of the proposed funds would be utilised to finance salaries and pensions of State employees, who absorbs 86 percent of the State revenue.

In addition, the Government Information Department noted that remaining funds are required to fund the assistance package introduced early this year for Samurdhi beneficiaries, estate communities and pensioners to reduce their economic hardships.