Not the right time to hold an election: Fin. Ministry spokesman

By Yohan Perera

Whilst stating that government funds are sufficient to pay salaries of public servants, pensions and to make Samurdhi payments, a spokesman from the Finance Ministry yesterday said holding an election is an impossible task. 

"Steps are being taken to revive the country's economy  gradually. Results of these steps will become evident only in March 2023. The economy will further suffer if funds are allocated for an election at this moment," he said. 

"A sum of Rs 93,000 million has been allocated for the salaries of public servants, Rs 26,500 million for pensions and Rs 6,000 million for Samurdhi payments. In addition a sum of Rs 2000 million has to be allocated for welfare of the Armed Forces and a further Rs 3,500 million for other social security purposes," he added. 

"The economy is expected to stabilize only if IMF assistance is secured by March 2023 " he also said.