PM promises funds for a two-year relief programme

(FASTNEWS | COLOMBO) – Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe says he will present an interim budget within six weeks, slashing infrastructure projects to re-route funds into a two-year relief programme.

Prime Minister Wickremesinghe, who took office two weeks ago, also warned that inflation would rise as the government gets down to tackling the crisis, and that there could be more protests on the streets.

The Premier said he hoped any unrest would not get out of hand, adding that funds would be made available to help the most vulnerable of the country through the budget.

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe warned that annual inflation could rocket past 40% in coming months, putting further pressure on Sri Lankan households already grappling with high prices. Inflation rose to a record 33.8% year-on-year in April, compared to 21.5% in March.

Meanwhile, according to sources, a new Minister of Finance is expected to be appointed today.