The House met yesterday (01) for the second day of the debate on the interim budget 2022.
At the commencement of the proceedings, the Chief Organizer of the Opposition Lakshman Kiriella said that the Government should clarify the reports suggesting China is going to take over the China-funded development projects if the country cannot meet the debt payments. Kiriella questioned whether the Southern Expressway, Mattala Airport, Katunayake Expressway, Lotus Tower, Hambantota Port Projects will have to be given to China.
In the meantime, Minister Susil Premajayantha responding to several reports on him allegedly “begging for aid from the USA” said he is even ready to beg if it provides free mid-day meals for the schoolchildren. “I am ready to beg from foreign nations and international institutions to provide free mid-day meals for the schoolchildren. I also request the Opposition parties to meet the foreign diplomats and do their best for the country,” Minister Premajayantha said.
Meanwhile, Parliamentarian Diana Gamage taking a jab at Dr. Harsha de Silva said that Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) is no better than a Keol that lays eggs in a crow's nest. Gamage said that “eggs were laid in her nest, too”, and that De Silva’s speech made her laugh. Gamage requested Dr. de Silva not to criticise his leader for political reasons.
Meanwhile, MP Kumara Welgama joining the debate, said “an invisible force is pulling the leg of the President.” He said that the group that pulls his leg in fact are not a group of Parliamentarians. He also commended President Wickremesinghe’s interim budget proposal. Welgama said that he will not join the Government and is not looking to take up any ministerial portfolio. He also noted that the USA and China help Sri Lanka with their own expectations while India, which he referred to as “Loku Ayiya” (elder brother) has given the country US$ 4 BN.
The House will meet for the final day of the debate on the interim budget today (2).
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