In a scathing critique of the recently unveiled Budget 2024, NPP leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake asserted that the proposed fiscal plan continues to navigate the country down a familiar, and unsuccessful, economic trajectory instead of addressing the pressing issues faced by the nation.
Dissanayake, commenting on the budget, highlighted that the President acknowledged a longstanding economic policy centered on obtaining loans, printing money, and selling state assets for the past 75 years. Despite this acknowledgment, the President, in his budget speech, presented the same policies as solutions rather than exploring permanent remedies for the country’s economic challenges.
“The first phase of his budget comprised a confession of his and his government over the destruction of the economy. He pointed out the failed economic policies adopted by the government during the past 75 years, including obtaining loans, printing money, and selling state property. Then, in the second phase, he made proposals to exit the economic shambles. These proposals are also entirely based on the economic policies of obtaining loans, printing money, and selling state property,” Dissanayake remarked.
Furthermore, Dissanayake highlighted that the President has put forth a proposition to increase the debt threshold by Rs. 3,400 billion, adding another layer of concern to the fiscal strategy outlined in Budget 2024.
