Tag: Government expenditure

Although the former government’s budget projected a revenue of LKR 2.3 trillion, LKR 1.6 trillion is the realistic projection of this year’s revenue. The estimated government expenditure for this year is LKR 3.3 trillion. However, due to the increase in interest rates and additional expenditure of the former government, the total government expenditure is LKR 4 trillion. The budget deficit for the year is LKR 2.4 trillion.

There are 4 Rajapaksas who represent the cabinet. There is also a state minister as well. How much of funds have been allocated to that family—to the ministries they represent? The total expenditure is 5,200 billion or 5.2 trillion. However, when 5,200 million (sic) is being spent, 3,470 million (sic) is being spent within one group—within one family. That is 64% of total government expenditure.

The Government has spent more than Rs. 700 billion on controlling the COVID-19 pandemic and providing relief to people and that it is exactly half of the overall income of this country last year which was Rs. 1,380 billion…Rs. 50 billion had been spent on low-income earning families receiving Samurdhi allowances, Rs. 90 billion on providing medicines free of charge, Rs. 40 billion on behalf of disabled war heroes, Rs. 250 billion for pensions, Rs. 35 billion for fertiliser subsidies as well as Rs. 70 billion on various types of relief for state institutions running at a loss.

When I was the Prime Minister, the government revenue was LKR 150,000 million. The revenue last month was LKR 50,000 million. LKR 90,000 million is needed to pay the salaries and pensions of the public servants.