Cabinet Spokesman Minister Bandula Gunawardena has confirmed that the government will reduce the capital expenditure through the interim budget.
Speaking during the weekly Cabinet media briefing in Colombo today, Minister Gunawardena said through the upcoming interim budget, the government is planning to provide several concessions to the people.
The Minister said in order to allocate funds to provide relief to the people, the government will reduce its capital expenditure.
He said such expenses will be reduced to provide concessions to help people to carry out day to day activities.
Meanwhile, Minister Bandula Gunawardena said they are not keen on imposing price control on goods, since it will create shortages.
The Minister said when there were shortages of petrol and diesel recently, a black market was created.
Minister Gunawardena said considering the prevailing condition in the country, the Minister of Trade will import certain goods which are at short supply and will sell at competitive rates.
Minister Gunawardena said the public should also acknowledge that inflation has been increasing across the globe.
Meanwhile, commenting on rail fares, Minister Bandula Gunawardena said they have only increased fares for reserved seats in trains but certain amendments will be made due to the fuel price hike.
He said necessary guidelines have been issued to authorities to reduce expenses of the Railway Department.
