Budget Debate — 6th Day

You came into power by selling a pack of lies
- W. J. M.

Parliament met at 9.30 a.m. Tuesday 17, November 1998 with Speaker K. B. Ratnayake in the Chair.

After announcements were made and petitions presented by MPs and Oral Questions answered by Ministers, House resumed the adjourned debate on the Appropriation Bill 1999.

W. J. M. Lokubandara (UNP-Badulla District) said: The Annual Budget is a tradition we have acquired from the western Democratic system of government. But this time there is a breach of the conventions that go with the tradition.

As a result of the breach of the conventions the Minister of Transport and Highways had shed tears. So was the Minister of Tourism and Aviation.

All these troubles could have been avoided if the conventions were followed faithfully. I hope at least next time you will present a Budget that conforms to the conventions.

This is the last budget of the government for the century if not the final budget that the government would introduce.

This is an aristocratic budget that is in total contrast to the populist policies in the 1994 election manifesto. You have given tax relief to purchase luxury motor cars while imposing increased taxes on vehicles used by the common people.

It is regrettable that you thought of removing the Personal baggage relief enjoyed by Sri Lankans working abroad, when they return to the country. This is a step that is in total contrast to your declared policies.

You withdrew the concession granted by the UNP to public officers to import vehicles. Again next year this concession comes into effect. How did this happen. Did somebody in the government close to the administration want the concession revived so that he could buy a vehicle?

The budget, and its wording point to an attempt by individuals to shine above the other. It does not reflect any concern for the people.

Is the government believing in the Goobbelsion theory of repeating a lie believing that the lie will be accepted by the people as truth?

You came into power by selling a pack of lies to the people. You live by lying. And you will also perish by lying.

(Contd tomorrow)