Funding LG election is a challenge - Treasury Secretary

by Staff Writer 20-01-2023 | 5:42 PM

COLOMBO (News 1st) - Treasury Secretary Mahinda Siriwardena had informed the Supreme Court via an affidavit on Thursday (19) that sourcing funds for the election has become a challenge.

He had directed an affidavit to the Supreme Court in relation to the writ application filed by Retired Sri Lanka Army Colonel W. M. R. Wijesundara who is seeking an order to delay the Local Government Elections.

Treasury Secretary Mahinda Siriwardena had noted that all revenue sources locally and internationally have been crippled, and managing public finances have become a very serious issue.

The affidavit notes that as per the governments' revenue sources the monthly income is around Rs. 163 Billion, and only Rs. 18 Billion remains to cover all other state expenses.

According to the Treasury Secretary, there is a deficit of Rs. 296 Billion per month for the government.

He had noted that it is critical to prioritize government spending in such a situation.