NO vehicle imports in 2022 & NO new recruits for public service - Basil

COLOMBO (News 1st); Finance minister Basil Rajapaksa states that the Government will allocate funds by prioritizing the economy of the country.

Participating in a meeting aiming to promote liquid milk in Battaramulla, the Minister of Finance pointed out that as a country, Sri Lanka will have to face the shortage of foreign revenue seriously.

"During the discussions I had with the President, he told me that everyone asked for more vehicles and more employees. We will have to limit that," the Finance Minister said.

Speaking further, Minister Rajapaksa confirmed that no vehicles will be imported next year and no new staff will be recruited at State institutions as well.

He also said that there is nothing to hide about the adverse state of the economy, and emphasized that State institutions will have to manage with the existing staff this year.

"Even if we increase the staff, it won't help us increase the efficiency," the Finance Minister mentioned.

He further stated that there are import restrictions imposed on vehicles and even on 17 crops which can be grown locally, and the Government is attempting to increase the list despite the Ministers not allowing for the Government to do so.

Regardless of how many laws are there, we will have to make certain decisions to fulfill the needs of the people. That is the situation faced by the government, he added.