Ravi K gets Budget tips from maestro Ronnie

Finance Minister Ravi Karunanayake met veteran Finance Minister with record number of Budget presentations Ronnie de Mel yesterday apparently to get finer points before the unity Government presents its fiscal program for 2017 on Thursday

Finance Minister Ravi Karunanayake met former Finance Minister Ronnie de Mel yesterday. The meeting was held with regard to Budget 2017 at the Colpetty residence of the former minister.

After his meeting, Minister Ravi Karunanayake told the media that everything is in place to present a people friendly budget. He said former finance minister Ronnie de Mel’s views were collected as his they were considered to be important in making Budget 2017.

Minister Karunanayake also met former President and Finance Minister Chandrika Kumaratunge on Sunday.

Addressing the media after the meeting, former President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga said she believed a budget for the people will be submitted to parliament on 10 November. She also said that the untiring efforts taken by the Finance Minister to prepare such a people friendly budget should be appreciated.

Speaking to the media, Finance Minister Ravi Karunanayake said steps have been taken in the forthcoming budget to reduce cost of living while measures have been taken to strengthen investment in the country. He also said that views of stakeholders from all walks of life are gathered to prepare Budget 2017 and that the budget to be presented to Parliament on 10 November is meant to bring a change to the country.