Daily NEWS Srilanka

The Cost of Living Allowance has been increased by 1200 rupees. Farmers who are over 63 years of age will also be entitled to a pension. Veterinary Surgeons will receive an allowance of 7000 rupees. 1000 rural bridges will be constructed. No Provincial Council tax will be levied on business with a monthly income of below 50,000 rupees. These proposals were announced by the President when he presented the 2014 budget in Parliament today.

As the Minister of Finance and Planning, President Rajapaksa commenced presenting the 2014 budget in Parliament at 1.00 pm. It was the 68th budget presented in Sri Lanka’s Parliamentary history. He presented the fourth budget since assuming office during his second term. The President said that his desire was to reduce the budget deficit up to 5.8 percent. Giving a detailed description on the rapid development achieved by the country, the President emphasized that not a single state establishment will be privatized.

Initiatives were taken to grant maximum relief to various sections of society through many proposals. It was proposed to increase the allowance granted to public employees. The Cost of Living Allowance of public sector has been increased by 1200 rupees with effect from January first next year, until a stipulated salary strategy is crafted by the Salaries Commission for public servants. The President said that in parallel, the allowance of pensioners will also be increased. The Educational Allowance of University lecturers will be increased by five percent.

Action will be initiated for the immediate construction of 1000 bridges next year to improve transport in rural areas. Small buses will also be deployed in these areas. The Judges personal allowances have been increased by eight percent to keep the profession viable and attractive.

Relief is being granted to officials who are active to improve the rural economy. Accordingly an allowance of 15,000 rupees will be granted to District Secretaries while Divisional Secretaries will receive an allowance of 5000 rupees. An incentive will also be given to Planning Director and Chief Accountants affiliated to District Secretariats.

It was proposed in the budget to grant a 7000 rupee allowance to veterinary surgeons. The permit system for the transport of timber furniture has been revoked. It was proposed to grant an interest free loan of 250,000 to women entrepreneurs up to 68 years of age. Proposals were made to build five Holiday Resorts for artistes to spend their leisure time in a calm environment during their twilight years. A proposal was made in the budget to grant a pension of not more than 1250 rupees to all farmers who are over 63 years of age. Mahindodaya Laboratories will be established in 6000 schools.

Priority has been given to increase the number of fishing trawlers. It was proposed to increase the allocations made in this respect by 1000 million rupees. A proposal was made to reduce the import of fishing gear and boats. Another proposal was to maintain a high duty on imported boats with the aim of encouraging the manufacture of boats locally. It was also proposed to upgrade the Marine University to a fully fledged University.

Allocations have been made to import 20,000 milch cows to improve small and medium scale dairy farms. A special loan scheme will be in place with an interest of eight percent to increase facilities in dairy farms and to purchase equipment for milk collection and establishment of collection centres. This loan scheme also applies to improve animal feed and grasslands.

An allowance of 10,000 rupees will be given to each of the five best Divi Neguma families in every Grama Niladhari Division to encourage the development of home gardens and enhance the domestic economy under the Divi Neguma.

Divi Neguma entitlement cards will be issued, subject to a payment of 500 rupees to strengthen small enterprises and the self employment economy. Such card holders will be exempted from payments due to Local Councils.

A proposal was made to increase the aid given to elders and low income families suffering from disabilities.

300 million rupees will be given to police, child and women protection bureaus to prevent child abuse and violence against women. Many grants have been made to improve the health sector. 2500 million rupees will be allocated to improve the Post Graduate Degree Institute while a proposal was made to give a 750 rupee allowance for amateur doctors. The uniform allowance for the hospital staff has been increased by 1500 rupees.

Housing Schemes will be built for Police Officers serving in Colombo.

It was proposed in the budget to appoint a Parliamentary Sub Committee to relax regulations to minimize hindrances caused to the public under various Acts.

Many proposals to improve the plantation industries are included in next year’s budget.