Minister SM Chandrasena says providing relief to the public is a difficult task when the Treasury funds have depleted.
Speaking during the 2022 Budget debate today, Minister Chandrasena said the present administration was not responsible for the collapse of the economy adding it began during the tenure of the good governance government and worsened with the COVID-19 pandemic.
Joining the debate, Minister Gamini Lokuge questioned if the opposition was under the impression that the government can be overturned with only the support of teachers and the farming community.
Minister Lokuge said a former trade unionist of the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation has made false statements that the government is unable to distribute fuel adding irrespective of various claims the government has managed to ensure the supply of fuel.
Meanwhile Samagi Jana Balawegaya Parliamentarian JC Alawathuwala said the country must repay its debts by March-April 2022 and questioned if solutions have been presented through the Budget.
MP Alawathuwala said the 2022 Budget is the most unsuccessful Budget since independence.
Minister WDJ Seneviratne claimed the country’s foreign debt was at 72% when the good governance government took over adding it was increased to 96% when the present administration took over.
Minister Seneviratne said it is evident that the previous government had obtained large amounts of loans during its tenure.
