MR assumes duties as Min. of Finance & Economic affairs

Colombo (News1st): Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa assumed duties as the Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs following religious blessings, today (October 31). Several ministry officials including the new Secretary to the Ministry S.R. Atigala were present at the occasion. Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa speaking to the media following the event said there is a huge uproar from the people who postponed elections, against the President proroguing Parliament for 11 days. He added that what these people are trying to show the world is that Sri Lanka is falling into a dictatorial rule. Speaking about the finance ministry he stated that it is facing a lot of challenges and more challenges will follow in the future. The Premier added that the country needs an economic framework that would apply to all parties adding that the tax system should be simplified. PM Rajapaksa went onto note that there should be a certainty about the economic policy and as of now on the 10th of every month a fuel price formula strikes the country and this should be changed. If the fuel prices are being increased it should be done according to the old process, said the Prime Minister adding that the formula which was introduced to increase and decrease the prices accordingly, shows no signs of the prices being decreased. He noted that as the government they need money, but it should not be earned through pressurizing the people. PM Rajapaksa said the government has to provide the people with reliefs after taking into consideration the cost of living. He stated that they should launch a program to end westernisation. To me, it is very easy to let go of all these positions, said PM Rajapksa adding that however, "some people cannot do that, they stay indoors sobbing but what they do not know is that the people are laughing". Meanwhile, S.R.Atigala who was appointed as the secretary to the ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs and the Secretary of the Treasury, assumed duties today (October 31). S.R. Atigala who was deputy secretary of the treasury is a graduate from the University of Colombo. The Prime Minister also called on the His Eminence Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith to obtain blessings.