RW reiterates Parliament should take control of public finance

Saturday, 9 April 2022 01:18 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Says Cabinet has failed in its duties; questions who authorised free float of rupee

Former Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe yesterday proposed bringing in a resolution for the Legislature to take over public finance.

He said this can be done under Section 148 of the Constitution.

“Cabinet has failed to put the country’s finances in place. Therefore, what should be done now is for the Legislature to take control of finances. It is possible to bring in a resolution on parliamentary control of public finances which is possible through Section 148 of the Constitution. Parliament can even meet on 11 April and do the needful,” Wickremesinghe said.

He also questioned who had authorised the rupee to float in an abrupt way which has allowed the currency to depreciate more than 40%, and said those responsible should be held accountable.

The UNP leader also spoke on the need to address the issue of possible food shortages, and said a delegation of Opposition MPs could be sent to countries such as Bangladesh, Pakistan and India to negotiate in obtaining food.

He added that Indian assistance will give Sri Lanka some breathing space only up to the second week in May, but more needs to be done to find a lasting solution to the country’s economic crisis.