An Estimated Expenditure of Rs.1,819 B in 2017 Budget

 The 2017 Appropriation Bill shows an estimated expenditure of Rs.1,819 billion.

The draft Bill, to be presented in Parliament on 20^th October 2016, has been  gazetted.

Accordingly, allocation for Ministries  and departments  are :-

Defence  Ministry    – Rs.283 billion

Finance Ministry      – Rs.242 billion

Health Ministry         – Rs.160 billion

Higher Education & Highways Ministry – Rs.162 billion

Education Ministry – Rs.76 billion

Public Administration Ministry – Rs.164 billion

Transport and Civil Aviation Ministry – Rs.50 billion

Local Government and Provincial Councils Ministry.- Rs.223 billion

president’s office – Rs.5 billion

capital expenses – Rs.3 billion

In the meantime, the NFF yesterday claimed  that the funds allocated for Presidential expenditure had been increased by 320 percent,  while the fund allocation for the education was reduced by 57.6  in the 2017 budget. Further NFF media spokesman Muzzamil said Rs 20 million had been allocated for the President for a day.  It was unethical for President Maithripala Siresena to spend so much  because he considered himself  to be leading a humble life style.