Reports on Parliamentary motion on no funds for polls denied

State Minister for Finance Ranjith Siyambalapitiya has ruled out that the Government was planning to introduce a motion in Parliament on its ability to provide funds for the upcoming Local Government elections.

He said that the Treasury has only submitted an affidavit to the Supreme Court on the difficulties in providing funds for the elections.

State Minister was reacting to a question by a journalist today based on media reports that the government will be submitting a motion to Parliament this week regarding the inability to provide funds to conduct the election.

Meanwhile State Minister Shehan Semasinghe responding to questions by Journalists today said that various groups should stop pressurizing Treasury officials to provide funds for elections at a time they were managing the economic situation under difficult circumstances.

He said various sections bringing such pressure should realize the difficulties in raising funds to pay public sector salaries, pensions, social benefits and purchasing medicines.

He said that the government has taken positive steps in revive the economy while cutting down expenses and managing the available funds.

He said that gas and fuel shortages could be experienced again if the current situation is not managed.

Mr Semasinghe said there were signs that the economy could be revived by the end of the year and international support was coming in.