Issues in meeting state expenses from Jan 1st

Colombo (News1st): The capital expenditure in the country has reached a point of serious concern given the present political calamity. Former Finance Minister Mangala Samaraweera said there will be difficulties in meeting state expenses from the 1st of January 2019. Samaraweera added that the entire governing system will come to a standstill if a budget or an interim report is not presented before the 31st of December. He noted that a legally appointed Finance Minister should sign a warrant document if there is a need to obtain money from the consolidating fund. He said the UNP is prepared to present the budget for the year 2019 as if the current "rogues" present it, it will be defeated. Meanwhile, the Leader of the JVP Anura Kumara Dissanayake said they will continue on the basis a prime minister and cabinet of ministers do not exist, as mentioned in Parliament by the speaker. He added the Parliament has control of finances and any motion on the matter can be presented. Dissanayake noted that in the absence of a government, funds of the republic cannot be utilized on the directives of the Minister of the Prime Minister. The Secretary to the Treasury S.R. Attygalle said that an interim expenditure statement is being prepared. He also stated that there will be no issue in the expenditure budget up to the 31st of December and in case of the dissolution of the parliament, the president will decide on how funds are to be utilized. He pointed out that the expenditure would be approved by the new government that would be elected.