http://www.dailynews.lk/2011/11/22/news12.asp

Budget spurs development, provides relief for the people’

Rasika Somaratne, Sandasen Marasinghe, Irangika Range and Disna Mudalige
Prominent politicians and officials described the 2012 budget proposals presented by President Mahinda Rajapaksa in his capacity as the Finance Minister in Parliament yesterday, as one which would spur development, encourage investment and provide relief for the public on a long-term basis.
They said the budget proposals were aimed at sustaining the government’s achievements and managing future risks in the economy. On long-term basis, it will help bring down poverty, unemployment, social and financial inequity, they added.
Higher Education Minister S B Dissanayake described the 2012 budget proposals as one which envisaged strategies to make development an inclusive and a beneficiary process to the people. He said the budget contained proposals to improve education and skills of the younger generation with the intention of making them stakeholders of the country’s development thrust. He also praised the various tax reduction in the budget proposals. He said that it was encouraging to see several important taxations being liberalized. The minister also welcomed the proposal to increase salaries of the public sector workers and described the margin of pay hike as significant.
Economic Development Deputy Minister and Ceylon Workers Congress member Muthu Sivalingam, was of the view that the budget proposals – 2012 provided a number of benefits for the estate workers.
He said that the CWC fully appreciated these moves and would support the proposals 100 percent.
He said the budget proposals presented yesterday reflected the Government’s development approach and added that they would no doubt help sustain the current positive trends in the economic and development sectors. The proposals would spur new vistas in line with the country’s growth requirements, he added.
Speaking on the benefits to the estate workers, the lawmaker from the Nuwaraeliya district said that the proposed measures would help improve the living standards of estate workers on long-term basis. “Although the people may not feel the benefits of these moves immediately, they would fully appreciate them in time to come”, he added.
TNA MP S.Adaikalanathan said that his party was not fully satisfied with the proposals presented yesterday. He was of the view that there should have been more benefits to the people of the North and East. He noted that his party would take a closer look at the proposals during the coming days.
International Monetary Co-operation Senior Minister Sarath Amunugama said the budget proposals projected the strategies for the country’s prosperity. “The country has achieved a commendable economic growth of over 8 percent during last two years. These proposals are aimed at sustaining and further enhancing this growth trend”, he added. The minister also said the proposals would spur investments. He was of the opinion that this was a relief and development oriented budget. The minister praised the assistance given to the SME sector through the budget.
Economic development Deputy Minister Lakshman Yapa Abeywardene said that the budget has laid the path to achieve a per capita income above US $ 4,000 in the near future. “It is a very encouraging and investment friendly budget, which is a good strategy and timely in the long run.
The Economy will march forward as the budget is well designed to develop the country with a higher economic growth,” he said.
JVP MP Anura Kumara Dissanayake said that his party was not satisfied with the proposals.
He noted that the proposed measures failed to satisfy the expectations of the people.
The MP was of the view that there should have been more concessions to local agriculture and industries.
Resettlement Deputy Minister Vinayagamoorthy Muralideran said this budget was futuristic one.
It has granted more benefits to the people in the North and East, he added.
He was of the view that concessions given to agriculture and local industries would help the people of the North and East, who are in the process of building their lives after a long conflict.
The deputy minister praised moves to reduce taxes and increase salaries of the public servants. The budget encourages investments, he said.
Foreign Employment Promotions and Welfare Minister Dilan Perera said the proposals would further spur development in the foreign employment sector. He praised the tax concessions being given to those who work in foreign countries.
The proposals would help create a skilled labour force, in line with the best international standards, he said.
Ports and Highways Deputy Minister Rohitha Abegunawardene said this is a very successful Budget as it has recommended a series of relief measures to middle class and ordinary businessmen. The Budget has opened the path to a brighter future for the country.
It has given a clear outlook on the prudent economic policies adopted by the government to develop the country.
The Budget has laid emphasis on economic, education and all other key sectors.
Irrigation and Water Recourses Management Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva said the Budget has been formulated on a balanced approach by clearly mentioning the set targets to be achieved in the future.
All key areas, such as, development and welfare have been given priority. It contains a long-term economic vision to channel the benefits of the economic development to the people. It has offered relief to both the State and private sector.
Education Minister Bandula Gunawardene said that the Budget 2012 is a methodical Budget formulated to change the country. It has explained reality to the country and made a series of recommendations to get the country in the right direction. It has paved the way to empower the masses.
Co-operatives and Internal Trade Minister Johnston Fernando said the Budget has covered all aspects of the society. It has been laid a solid foundation to achieve massive economic growth in 2012. It has covered all key sectors.
The Budget has encouraged the local investors and given relief to improve their production. It has given the maximum possible relief which can be given to the public servants. This is one of the most successful budgets presented in recent times.
External Affairs Minister Prof G L Peiris observed that a pragmatic and balanced Budget has been presented by President Mahinda Rajapaksa after consulting various segments of the society.
He said that employment opportunities will rise when the Budget proposals are implemented in the country.
He noted that local and foreign investments will see a sharp increase with the tax concessions introduced to them through the Budget proposals and with the political stability in the country.
Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa commenting on the Budget proposals said that a considerable percentage of allocations has been made for the welfare activities of the war heroes and members of their families. He observed that the sum alloted for the construction of tri-forces headquarters is a timely and important allocation.
He also commended the special allocation made for flood control activities in urban areas, such as, Colombo, Kotte and Kolonnawa.
Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa pointed out that 100 proposals for an accelerated development in the country have been presented this time. He observed that the Budget proposals are people oriented and aimed at uplifting the living standards of the people.
He observed that a special allocation of Rs 8000 million is granted for the Northern Province alone to expedite development activities which displays a 21 percent growth.
Answering a question of a journalist, the minister observed that the UNP MPs departure of the chamber is insignificant since they are not even living with the people.