President Maithripala Sirisena has minimized his yearly financial requirements for 2016 by Rs. 1275 billion - when compared to former President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s spending in 2014.

During 2014, former President Mahinda Rajapaksa controlled Rs. 1652 billion while President Maithripala Sirisena will control Rs. 377 billion in 2016.

Rajapaksa controlled Rs. 1160 billion as the Minister of Finance and Planning, Rs. 144 billion as the Minister of Highways, Ports and Shipping, and Rs. 53 billionas the Minister of Law and Order. Rajapaksa also controlled Rs. 283 billion as the Minister of Defence and Urban Development

 In addition, he controlled Rs. 10 billion for Special Spending Units which also came under the President’s purview.

President Sirisena, for the year 2016, will only control 2.3 billion for Special Spending Units.

Sirisena will control Rs. 306 billion as the Minister of Defence. He will also control Rs. 69 billion as the Minister of Mahaweli Development and Environment.  

During 2014, Rajapaksa controlled 62% of total expenditure of the budget whereas Sirisena will control only 12%.  

(Courtesy: Manthri.lk)