Basil yet to make official statement on economy

COLOMBO (News 1st); A controversy arose today regarding the current economic situation of the country and the failure of the Minister of Finance Basil Rajapaksa to make an official statement regarding the matter, to the Parliament.

Samagi Jana Balawegaya MP Nalin Bandara stated that the Parliament has become almost a powerless entity with the Finance Minister's absence, and even if he came to the Parliament, the fact that he is not issuing a proper statement regarding the current financial crisis, is an even greater issues.

The Leader of the Janatha Vinukthi Peramuna, Anura Kumara Dissanayake pointed out that the primary responsibility of the Minister of Finance is to brief the Parliament on the situation, and with other high ranking members of the Government being his relatives, he should be reminded of his duty.

The Speaker then asked the MP whether he wants a debate over the economy, as the Speaker is not empowered to ask an MP to come to the Parliament. 

After a much heated situation, Leader of the House Minister Dinesh Gunawardena stated that in consideration of the international financial situation, the President urges all MPs to work collaboratively in the midst of the current economical crisis.