Chief Government Whip and Highways Minister Johnston Fernando has called on Opposition members who criticise the Budget 2022 to come up if possible, with an alternative to it, if they could.

Speaking to journalists after a progress review meeting in his ministry, the Minister said that the entire world was reeling and high inflation rates had been experienced by all economies across the globe. “I saw immediately after the Budget speech some Opposition MPs nagging that there were no price reductions while some are complaining that there is inflation. Inflation is a reality in the present situation in all other countries, including the US, the UK and France. We as a government are working hard to manage this situation while the opposition speaks as if inflation is only a problem in this country,” Minister Fernando said.

He said that the impact of the pandemic on economies had resulted in a reduction of all productions and collapse of industrial networks. “As a result, countries have limited their multilateral and bilateral assistance and aid. We have lessons to learn in this scenario. We must strive to promote the production economy. One of the lessons this pandemic has taught us was that we no longer can depend on assistance from other economies. Every country is confronted with its own domestic and internal economic problems and is unable to help others. In this Budget there are many proposals to promote a production economy in this country. For that purpose we have to develop infrastructure and a supportive road network. When we develop roads, the Opposition MPs criticise that too. In this Budget, a sum of three million rupees has been allotted for each Grama Niladhari division for development. Five million rupees has been allocated for each MP. In the meantime there are certain cost cutting such as pruning down the fuel allowances of MPs and state officials, making it compulsory for an MP to have a minimum of 10 years in Parliament to be entitled for the pension, reduction of telephone bills by 25 percent were progressive changes showing the government’s commitment in curtailing expenses,” Minister Fernando said.

 “Price increases in a situation like today is natural as well as temporary. When there is no production of goods, there is a price increase. When the situation turns normal the prices would come down. Opposition members can make speeches blaming the government and its Budget for various ills. There is no point in criticising something if you do not have a better alternative or substitute.  I challenge them to come with an alternative to the Budget proposals if they have any,” the Minister said.