Mixed reactions from government and opposition MPs to budget

By Yohan Perera and Ajith Siriwardana 

 “This budget puts the economy into a worse position”

Jathika Jana Balawegaya Leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake

The budget has failed to arrest the economic downturn and stabilize the economy. It aims to sell off profit making state entities such as Telecom, Water’s Edge. Sri Lanka’s debt services will increase by further Rs 2.4 trillion next year. This budget puts the economy into a worse position.  The President himself talked about the failure of the economic system which Sri Lanka has adopted and maintained for years. It is indeed a failure. 

“It seems that President Wickremesinghe is making some effort to stabilize the economy 

SLFP General Secretary Dayasiri Jayasekara

A typical Ranil Wickremesinghe type budget. It is difficult to understand what is said in the budget. However it seems that President Wickremesinghe is making some effort to stabilize the economy. We have to wait and see how things would turn out in the future.

“We will have to support an economic recovery

SJB MP Mayantha Dissanayake

Taxes will go up through this budget. However we must remember that the country is facing a severe economic crisis. We will have to support an economic recovery and make some kind of contribution for that process. We have to think of our nation at this point of time. 

“There is no increase of taxes in the budget 

SLPP MP Sarath Weerasekera

There is an economic downturn. There is no increase of taxes in the budget. It has focused on digitalization and development of the agriculture sector. It has also focused on the development and empowerment of the youth. 

“There is nothing much to talk about 

TNA MP M. A. Sumanthiran

There is nothing new in this budget. Taxes were increased before the budget. Therefore there is nothing much to talk about 

“The budget has failed to focus on the estate sector

Tamil Progressive Alliance Leader Mano Ganesan

We are disappointed that the budget has failed to focus on the estate sector. I have personally expressed my displeasure to the President on this matter a while ago.