INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
Treasury Secretary Mahinda Siriwardana has actually informed the National Election Commission of the difficulties in moneying the 2023 Local
Government polls.The election body says that the Treasury Secretary has pointed out the current adverse monetary scenario and the
administrative choice taken by the government to designate funds only for vital services as the reasons for the failure to release the funds
required for the election.The Treasury Secretary conveyed this to the election bodys chairman, Nimal G
Punchihewa during a conference held today (Feb 17) in between the Election Commission and Finance Ministry officials on funding the upcoming
LG polls.Earlier this month, President Ranil Wickremesinghe, in his capability as the Minister of Finance, Economic Stabilization and
National Policy, instructed the Treasury Secretary to offer funds only for essential public services.Accordingly, the list of expenses to be
moneyed consists of wages, debt maintenance, pensions, medical supplies for healthcare facilities, subsidies for low-income groups,
scholarships, farmers pensions, school nutrition programs, payments for war heroes and disabled soldiers, energy payments, food supplies for
medical facilities and jails, and others
.
The government mentioned that this relocation is anticipated to have a substantial impact on the economy, as it will focus on
the most essential needs of the people while likewise avoiding the abuse of funds.Finance Ministry authorities, throughout todays meeting,
have explained that the authorization of President Wickremesinghe, needs to be acquired in order to release funds to public institutions
that are not listed under the necessary services category.
