A development oriented budget with long term action plan to fulfill aspirations of all citizens will be presented to parliament tomorrow (November 10), says Finance Minister Ravi Karunanayake.
The Finance Minister who has been giving closing touches to the finer points of the forthcoming budget reiterated that Budget 2017 has focused on strengthening the national economy of the country.
He also said that priority has been given to the people’s proposals in preparing Budget 2017 and, the needs and views of the people were taken into consideration in order to make them representatives in Budget 2017. The minister said that among the wide range of groups whose views are included in the budget are: Farmers, fishermen, laborers, small, medium and big time entrepreneurs, self-employees, industrialists, investors, trade union representatives, civil organizations, political parties, professionals, university teachers, professors and religious leaders.
In addition, the Finance Ministry had received nearly 2500 proposals from the ordinary people living in different parts of the island to be considered for Budget 2017.
The budget to be presented to parliament tomorrow is the 70th budget in Independence Sri Lanka. It is the 3rd budget by the regime of Good Governance. The theme of the budget this time is “Towards rapid development with benefits to all”.
Finance Minister Ravi Karunanayake further said that close attention has been drawn to the proposals;with a view to solve youth unemployment, new plans to reduce cost of living, plans to promote several sectors including investment, education, health and agriculture.
Budget 2017 will be presented to parliament by Finance Minister RaviKarunanayake tomorrow on the directive and guidance of President Maithripala Sirisena and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe.
The budget proposals this time is expected to take tangible initiative to end poverty in the country. It will also be the stepping stone for a Grand National operation to save the future generation from the prevailing colossal debt trap through its long term development agenda.