President presents budget

[TamilNet, Monday, 14 February 2000, 11:30 GMT]
Sri Lankan president Chandrika Kumaratunga began presenting budget for the current year around 3 p.m. today. This is the first time a President has presented the budget in the house, observers said.

This is the sixth budget to be presented by her ruling People's Alliance (PA), which came to power in 1994.

Deputy Minister of Finance, Mr.G.L.Peiris was expected to present the budget to the house today. However, in a surprise move, the President, who is also the head for the Ministry of Finance, arrived in the house to present the Budget.

Ms. Kumaratunga was elected for the second period in the presidential election held on 21 December. The parliament elections are expected to be held before August this year.