Finance Minister Ravi Karunanayake, presenting the second budget of the National Unity Government described it as a progressive budget aimed at creating a new economic and social order for the betterment of the country, not merely providing relief to the people but paving the way for sustainable growth. A significant feature of Budget 2017 was, it had done away with populist policies of giving short term relief for narrow political gain and laid a solid foundation to take the country forward to empower the people.
Without confining to the traditional framework of a budget, providing relief and subsidies to the people, Budget 2017 has introduced a farsighted vision to develop the country and uplift the socio-economic conditions of the people by providing significant financial contribution to all key areas. Some of the important highlights are: an insurance scheme for schoolchildren, tabs for A/L students, concessionary loans for private university students, Rs. 17,480 million for developing the education sector, removal of VAT and other duties on agriculture machinery and concessionary credit facilities for journalists to purchase equipment.
Minister Karunanayake told the House, that social inclusion was a matter of prime concern for the new Government, which attempted, through the budget proposals, to enable the entire population to participate in the ‘journey for development’. “Our attention has been drawn to the fundamental requirements of basic needs, extending to land, housing, education and health. Hence, continuous improvement will be made in this regard to sustain the process.”
The Minister in his budget speech told the House, the need of the hour is an economic, social and environmental transformation ensuring a better tomorrow for all Sri Lankans. He assured the House that the Government would continue its noble endeavour to strengthen democracy, fundamental rights, reconciliation and development, for lasting peace, freedom and national integration. To cement this process, the Government has formulated an ambitious reforms agenda encompassing all major spheres, including, social, political, economic and international relations.
The traditional tea party was held after the Finance Minister wound up his budget speech. Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe participated in the tea party and was seen exchanging pleasantries with Government Ministers and MPs. The Joint Opposition (JO) and the JVP skipped the tea party. After the tea party, Health Minister Dr. Rajitha Senaratne who commented on the JO’s decision to boycott the budget tea party said, it shows the vicious tradition being practised in politics. Citing an example, Minister Senaratne told the media, that at one particular occasion, he had a big confrontation with the then President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga. At that time, the UNP decided not to participate in the budget tea party, but he alone participated because it is a parliamentary tradition practised since 1947.
Minister Senaratne, critical of the JO’s decision to boycott the tea party said, even Prime Minister Dudley Senanayake and Dr. N. M. Perera shared a cup of tea at the budget tea party. Politicians such as Dr. N.M. Perera, Dr. Colvin R. de Silva and Dr. S.A. Wickremesinghe were true revolutionists and principled politicians, compared to those in the JO today, and added that such illustrious political figures never engaged in this kind of petty politics.
Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, and some JO front liners who spoke to the media said, the budget has caused immense hardships to the small man in all sectors and not given any relief to the masses. The JO members disclosed their decision to vote against the budget.
JVP Leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake also described budget 2017 as a clear reflection of the economic crisis the country faces due to the economic policies of the Government. The current budget doesn’t have any methodology to take forward the economic vision introduced by the previous budget. The JVP too announced their decision to vote against the budget.
Before commencement of the second reading debate on the Appropriation Bill on Friday, the recent attack on the disabled servicemen near the Presidential Secretariat came to light on the floor of the House, and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe assured the House that if any Policemen were found guilty in this connection, they would be sacked. The Premier was responding to a query raised by JO Leader Dinesh Gunawardena who accused the Government of deploying the Police anti-riot squads on the disabled military and Police personnel who demanded pension rights.
The Prime Minister told the House that a discussion had been held at the Defence Ministry to look into the demands of ex-servicemen and added that it has to be investigated to find out how this incident took place after all the demands by the servicemen had been granted. The Premier drew the attention of the House to the presence of disabled Bhikkhus, and asked how had they become disabled? However, the Premier told the House if any Police personnel were found guilty of harassing the disabled protesters, they will be removed. He said, he would like to ask where these Bhikkhus were, when General Sarath Fonseka was incarcerated. Those who jailed Fonseka should also be sacked from their jobs. MP Gunawardena who countered the Premier’s statement said, Bhikkhus visited Sarath Fonseka when he was in jail. How many times had Ven. Maduluwawe Sobhitha Thera visited him? The MP asked the Premier whether he would admit that it is wrong to assault disabled soldiers.
Responding to the MP, the Prime Minister said, assaulting the disabled is wrong. At the same time, it is also wrong to instigate the disabled and create disturbances. Prime Minister told MP Gunawardena that he didn’t talk of Ven. Maduluwawe Sobhitha thera, but the Bhikkhus who were present that day, when the incident occurred. The Premier reminded the House, that, when Ven. Sobhitha thera conducted a religious ceremony opposite the Sri Dalada Maligawa, Kandy, some people attempted to create a division among the Maha Sanghas of the Malwatte Chapter.
UPFA Colombo District MP Wimal Weerawansa who also raised his voice on the incident said, Bhikkhus can participate in events. He pointed out that Bhikkus even marched along with King Dutugamunu, when he waged war against King Elara. Members of the Maha Sangha had always been with the war heroes.
The problem is, we are having a Prime Minister who is not aware about it. Prime Minister Wickremesinghe responding to MP Weerawansa said King Dutugamunu never entered into a deal with Prabhakaran to ascend the throne of Magama.
Provincial Councils and Local Government Minister, Faiszer Musthapha drew fire for leaving the Chamber without answering a question raised by UNP Badulla District MP Chaminda Wijesiri. Chief Opposition Whip Anura Kumara Dissanayake told the House, it was against parliamentary traditions for a Government Minister to dodge a question raised by an MP in such manner.
A question by MP Wijesiri had been listed on the Order Paper on Friday to be answered by Minister Musthapaha wherein the MP demanded to know the number of persons recruited to various institutions by the Uva Provincial Council since the appointment of the new Uva Province Chief Minister. The MP had queried about the procedures followed in recruiting, and whether they were devoid of politics.
However, when the time came for the question to be raised, the Minister was not present in the chamber. Chief Opposition Whip Anura Kumara Dissanayake said, the Minister was in the chamber a few minutes ago and alleged that he evaded the question by leaving the chamber. What will happen if all other Ministers follow suit?, Dissanayake questioned.