News
Business Times said most of it
View(s):The Business Times has over the past few weeks revealed many of the budgetary proposals that were eventually presented.
BT report on
October 5, 2014
2015 Sri Lankan Budget
bag-full of election goodies
The possibility of revising the salary of government servants numbering 1.3 million is also under consideration. The public sector salary is to be increased to Rs.2500 as an allowance. The 2015 budget accords high priority to defence and urban development, education, drinking water in districts which are below the national average in social development, health, employment opportunities, basic infrastructure facilities and economic indices. It has been planned to reduce the budget deficit to 4.4 per cent and increase the economic growth rate to 8.2 per cent during next year.
BT report on October 12
Development Budget with ‘election goodies’ thro’
Gazettes
The budget speech will highlight the government’s achievements and financial allocations for specific sectors of the economy focusing on the Medium Term Budgetary Framework 2015 – 2017.
It will be confined to highlighting the country’s current status of the economy, revenue and expenditure, proposals formulated to ensure development by creating more livelihood and employment opportunities, food security, energy security and environmental safety with particular emphasis on low income and poor families.
The commodity levy and cess on essential items, including maize, onions, potatoes and dairy products will be increased. Concessions will also be provided to improve the poultry industry encouraging exports.
BT report on October 19
Treasury officials finalise 2015 budget under severe stress and strain
Treasury’s National Budget Department and Department of Treasury Operations officials have finalised new proposals aiming to address emerging needs including the impending presidential election and gaps in all development sectors, official sources said.
Sunday Times Online,
October 20
Journalists to get benefits
Journalists are among those being seriously considered for special benefits in Budget 2015 to be presented to Parliament on Friday. In the case of the state sector, workers are to receive an increase in the cost of living allowance to Rs.10,000 from Rs.7,800 per month. However in order to grant this extra income, overtime and additional allowances for employees of government corporations, statutory boards and project staff will be curtailed.
(See Business Times for more related stories on the Budget)