Difficult to pay salaries to local government members at this point of time: Ruwan

By Yohan Perera and Sumanasiri Gunatileke   

Whilst highlighting that a sum Rs 135 million will have to be allocated monthly to pay salaries of local government members after the polls in addition to estimated Rs 12 billion for the local polls, UNP Deputy Leader Ruwan Wijewardene yesterday said one has to determine whether the country can afford to spend so much at this point of time.   

Speaking to media during his recent visit to Moneragala,Wijewardene said one has to think whether the local government election is needed now.   

“ Question arises as to whether it is appropriate to hold the local government polls. No one including the President wants to postpone the local polls . What the President wants is to resolve the present economic crisis,” he said.   

“ The election commisison, finance ministry heads and other stake holders should go for a dialogue at this point of time and decide a new date for the local polls,” he added while highlighting that it is obvious that there will not be an election on March 9.   

“ However people will be given concessions before the end of the year as a final agreement will be reached with IMF next month while countries such as China and donors such as World Bank will assist Sri Lanka after this agreement is reached,” he assured.