News
People thankful for moderate mercies, anticipate more of the same
The interim Budget 2015, presented in Parliament on Thursday, introduced several measures that would bring relief to the public.
D.E.W. Gunasekera, Wimal Weerawansa and Vasudeva Nanayakkara listening to the Budget presentation
A cross-section of the public said they expect the cost of living to reduce with the implementation of the proposals, pointing out that, if not for corruption and wastage, the benefits would have been greater.Following are excerpts of interviews.
Hemachandra Muthumala, 56, a lottery salesman from Maradana, Colombo.
“The new Budget is very good. I expect people will live more easily now that our day-to-day expenses have reduced. I feel that we can come out of our unhappy living conditions.”
“I have a family to support and the smallest reduction in goods helps in some way.”
“The government should aim at reducing the amount of loans taken but at the same time provide us with relief.”
H.M. Azlam, 37, a trishaw driver from Kolonnawa.
“I am very happy that the prices of sugar and rice have decreased. The Budget gave me what I wanted, which is a lower cost of living. From Feb.1, I intend to reduce my taxi fare, by at least 10%, because fuel prices went down. Every small change goes a long way. Now I can at least save Rs 100, if I earn Rs 500 a day.”
“I drive a rented vehicle and pay Rs 400 a day to the owner. Since the prices of vehicles are going down and taking a loan is easier, I hope to, one day, buy my own trishaw.”
“I support the tax increase on unnecessary practices like gambling and liquor consumption. This increased tax income can again be used for the people’s welfare.”
“A lot of corruption took place under the previous government. We need to stop that immediately. If we used the money that was stolen to pay the country’s existing debt… we could have gone a long way.”
Anusha Dilrukshi, 40, housewife from Kirindiwela
“We are very grateful for the reduction in milk powder prices and for removing loans above Rs 2 lakhs. I have pawned my gold jewellery and owe the bank close to Rs 5 lakhs. If that is removed it will be great.”
“My youngest son has an attention related disoder. He is very hyperactive and the government promised Rs 3,000 for each child like my son. I appreciate that greatly.”
Chamani Priyangika, 45 housewife from Kirindiwela
“This Budget is generally okay, but there aren’t any big changes proposed. We haven’t really felt the change yet. It hasn’t taken place.”-
Fazlan Faleel, 21 private sector employee from Kandy“This Budget focuses on low income families. So, it is good.”
“The relief provided motivates people.”
“I am following CIMA Strategic level and depend on my parents. For them, the Budget is a great relief because their expenditure will reduce in some way.”
Amaravathi Hettiarachchi, 56, lottery ticket seller from Wanathamulla
“This Budget is better than the previous one. I hope the changes will benefit and develop the country. I also hope that the President will be a good leader.”
“Sometimes when I take my daily earnings home I can’t even save Re 1, but with the price reductions I can save more. I am a sick woman and my joints are getting weak, but I don’t want to be dependent on others. This Budget is helpful for people like me.
“I have faith in the current leaders. They will really keep the promises they made to the people, even after the general election.”
“I ask the president to increase the lottery drawings and cash prizes so that more and more people will buy lottery tickets.”
H.H. Asanka Indunil, 29, owner of a hotel and bakery in Colombo.
“My profit will definitely increase because I don’t have to spend so much to buy ingredients such as flour and oil. Previously, it cost me roughly Rs 50,000 to buy 10 bags of flour. Now I expect it will be much less.”
“The only negative thing about the Budget is that the current government came into power by campaigning against casinos, but now they are only implementing a single tax amount without getting rid of casinos completely.”
“This Budget encourages investors like me which pumps the economy. It also directs money from the rich class to the poor sections of society. I have already reduced the selling price of bread at my restaurant by Rs 3 and other bakery goods by Rs 2. Once the rice and vegetable prices go down, I can reduce the price of the meals. When I buy at a low price, I can sell at a low price.”
Kusumawathi Kaluperumage Beilingda Soysa, 78 from Arangala
“I live with my husband. It is good they reduced the prices of items like kerosene oil and gas. My son is the one who feeds me, and he always complains about the cost of living, so the price reductions will really help him.”
Ravin Abeysundera. 27, Branch Manager of a motorcar company from Rajagiriya
“Several people called to check on the 1000 cc vehicle tax reduction which shows us how the Budget is really affecting people. However, 1000 cc vehicles and hybrid vehicles don’t fall within our range, but if there is a tax reduction on general vehicles, our sales will definitely increase.”
“Personally, I am really looking forward to an increase in salaries in the private sector. The reduction in bus and train fares is also a great relief.”
H.G. Sujith Sanjeewa, 43, pavement cobbler in Colombo
“I have four sons and my salary is not enough to feed and clothe them. Somehow my wife and I manage. The price reduction on general goods will really help me.”
“At a glance, I don’t see any unwanted expenditures in the Budget.”
“Of course, the new Budget won’t solve all of life’s problems, but we will survive as we always do.”
Shairman Kaluarachchi, 36, Office Manager at a Finance company, Colombo.
“The new Budget will definitely affect the Finance sector. Finance companies like ours can’t immediately implement all the changes proposed in the new Budget. It will take time.”
“I think people will benefit greatly from the new Budget. For example, increasing interest rates on deposits for senior citizens will really help them.”
“The Budget is in line with the Government’s 100-Day programme and will practically help in the implementation process.”
N.M. Aalam from Uppukulam, Vavuniya, said people who are living below the poverty line will be benefited from this mini Budget. Particularly, the small scale farmers and fisher folk.
“We are happy that this Budget targeted people living in poor conditions and fail to meet their day-to-day expenses in the past. They no longer have to complain,” he said.
Charles Nirmalanathan, a social service activist from Mannar, said this Budget has reflected the peoples mindset, which makes no difference between poor or rich.
“Everyone is happy to hear the price reduction in their daily needs. I am very grateful to President Maithripala Sirisena on behalf of the people of Mannar,” he said.
Saranelis Sirimevan from Galle said that the mini-Budget will benefit the poor who have not got any relief for the past 
several years.
Nilesh Silvapulle, 17 student from Gothatuva
“The reduction in fuel prices is appreciated by the general public.”
(Interviews by Chiranthi Senanayake, Yomal Yapa and Lambert Rosiro)
Finance Minister Ravi Karunanayake presenting the Budget. Pic by Indika Handuwala
