Govt. has printed more than 200 billion rupees to settle its expenses - Patali Champika Ranawaka

Parlimentarian Patali Champika Ranawaka claimed that the the government has printed more than 200 billion rupees during the period between 14th of March and 14th of April. "But only 20 billion rupees has been used to give away the 5000 relief allowance,"Ranawaka said . "As per the constitution, a new parliament should be established by the 2nd of June. There is no way of holding a parliamentary election before the 2nd of June," he said. Speaking at a Press briefing the Parlimentarian outlined that it is a constitutional issue and fixing the election date as the 20th of June, does not mean this issue will be solved. "The order issued by the secretary to the finance ministry stating the president has the power on expenses under article 150 section 3 of the constitution can be viewed as a violation to the constitution, from the 6th of March," he further said. Speaking to News1st regarding claims of printing money , Finance ministry secretary S.R. Attygalle pointed out that the money had not been printed in such large amounts as claimed by former minister Patali Champika Ranawaka. However, he conceded that money had been printed to pay salaries of state sector servants and essential expenses of the government.