In an apparent response to former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, the Minister of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development Mahinda Amaraweera said today that the budget was passed under historic circumstances.

Rajapaksa had recently slammed the budget, saying that it was a historic one as it was changed on numerous occasions.

Amaraweera, speaking at a function in Karabagalamulla, Ambalantota, said that a consensus government is in power for the first time in history. The government heard people’s grievances and amended the budget proposals accordingly, he said.

“Numerous of amendments were introduced to the budget proposals because this is the first time in Sri Lankan history where two main parties form a consensus government. 16 main budget proposals were amended over our request. We do not raise our hands for every proposal. We would give up our seats anytime for welfare of the public”, Amaraweera said.