The 2025 budget presented by the current government upholds fiscal discipline, MP Ravi Karunanayake stated.
In an interview with Ceylon Wire, he remarked that while the government, which came to power with grand promises, has misled the people, he is relieved that it did not deceive the International Monetary Fund (IMF). He argued that had the government done so, the country’s economic situation would have worsened further.
Karunanayake noted that the budget is a continuation of those presented in 2015, 2016, 2017, 2023, and 2024. However, he criticized the government for setting economic targets without outlining a concrete plan to achieve them.
He further pointed out that while various proposals were included in the budget, there were no incentives for investors, concessions for overseas workers who bring in foreign exchange, or initiatives to promote tourism—key factors in strengthening the economy.
Regarding public sector wages, he accused the government of failing to provide an immediate salary increase for the relevant financial year, instead spreading increments over the next three years.
Despite these shortcomings, Karunanayake emphasized that the opposition must go beyond mere criticism and present well-structured proposals to help steer the country forward.
