Former Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe says 89% of the 2022 Budgetary allocations have been set aside for just 10 Ministries.
Speaking during the debate on the second reading of the 2022 Budget in Parliament, Former Prime Minister Wickremesinghe said Budget allocations have not been proportionate to the current requirement.
The Former Premier noted despite the country dealing with the COVID-19 crisis, provisions for the Ministry of Health have been reduced.
The Leader of the United National Party requested Minister of Finance Basil Rajapaksa to explain in Parliament how the allocations were decided.
Former Prime Minister Wickremesinghe said the government cannot disregard the impact the COVID-19 crisis will have on the country next year as well. The former Premier also noted that the present administration must seek the assistance of the International Monetary Fund to stabilise the economy.
UNP Leader Wickremesinghe said by doing so, the government will be able to prevent job losses. The Former Prime Minister stressed that discussions must be held with India, China, the United States and other international powers in order to strengthen the country’s reserves.
Former Premier Ranil Wickremesinghe said all agreements reached with international powers should be tabled in Parliament.
