COLOMBO (NewsRadio); State Minister of Finance Ranjith Siyambalapitiya says benefits and perks of Ministers, Members of Parliament and other public representatives have been slashed considerably at present.
According to State Minister Ranjith Siyambalapitiya, President Ranil Wickremesinghe as the Minister of Finance has made massive reductions in government expenses and cut down on several allowances and benefits of public representatives.
The State Minister noted that the current Cabinet of Ministers is one of the smallest Sri Lanka has had in recent history as well.
He added efforts are also underway to reduce the number of members elected to local government bodies.
State Minister of Finance Ranjith Siyambalapitiya stressed that the President is of the view, everyone, especially the public representatives should share the economic burden.
He said the President has also proposed the establishment of a Budget Office which will monitor and review the implementation of budget proposals.
The State Minister said although popular proposals are announced during Budget speeches annually, until now there is no mechanism to review the progress or the implementation of such proposals.
He said with establishment of the Budget Office, not only the implementation can be reviewed, but it will also able to monitor delays and the use of public funds.
State Minister of Finance Ranjith Siyambalapitiya added that discussions have also been held to implement proposals such as curtailing the pensions of Members of Parliament.
