Budget to be presented by February - Min. Daya Gamage

Colombo (News 1st)- The first cabinet meeting for the year 2019 was held this morning under the patronage of President Maithripala Sirisena at the Presidential Secretariat. Following the meeting, Minister of Highways & Road Development and Petroleum Resources Development Kabir Hashim stated that steps have been taken to restart several projects that were halted and steps are taken to facilitate the grants required to finalize the vote on account that was brought in for the first 4 months. He further noted that several cabinet papers were presented to launch the " Gamperaliya" project. Minister of Lands and Parliamentary Reforms and Chief Government Whip Gayantha Karunatileka stated that cabinet papers relating to the ministry of finance were taken up today.and discussions took place and they were approved. Minister of Labour, Trade Union Relations and Social Empowerment Daya Gamage stated that he believes that they should be able to present the budget to the parliament by February and get it approved as well. When asked about the rumours relating to a group of UNP backbenchers preparing to act as independent MPs, Min. Jayawickrama Perera dismissed them as false statements.He further noted that the UNP will not split. Minister of Highways & Road Development and Petroleum Resources Development Kabir Hashim stated that there is no known issue within the party adding that they believe the United National Front will work together as one.