Opposition Leader demands for a new Budget

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Opposition Leader demanded the Government to introduce a new Budget to provide concessions to the people. 

Speaking in Parliament today (22), Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa demanded as to what steps are being taken to address the shortages experienced in raw materials, diesel, petrol, kerosene, food and medicine. 

He further questioned whether the Government has granted the promised concessions to farmers and fishermen, as they too have been affected due to the economic crisis. 

Premadasa also pointed out that while several Ministers and State Ministers have been appointed, no steps have been taken to grant concessions for the aggrieved people, especially in consideration of the amount of funds reserved from the last budget towards road development. 

Pointing out that the decision to let the Government to lead under the Prime Minister only had the agreement of 88 MPs, the Opposition Leader questioned whether the majority within Parliament is decided by 88 or 113 MPs. 

A tense situation followed the Opposition Leader's speech when the Government MPs suggested the Opposition Leader could instead suggest a debate on the existing economic situation.

This was followed by a Party Leaders meeting Presided over by Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena with a special focus on a current issues.

The Parliament had to be adjourned for a few minutes due to the heated situation which arose after the Leader of the Opposition Sajith Premadasa continued to question the Government's future plans.