Finance Minister Ravi Karunanayake says the national economy will be directed to the right path by the next budget and economic benefits will be given to the public. At a discussion held in the Ministry he said price of cigarette has been increased by seven rupees and the government expects 22 billion rupees annually from this price increase . He stressed that the electricity charges will not be increased at any circumstances. The former President had criticized the government that it is responsible for the slowing economy. Minister Karunanayake pointed out that the arbitrary and excessive loans obtained by the former government have caused pressure to the present government. The government has already paid 1,480 billion rupees for the loan installments. Sri Lankan Airlines has made a loss of 

900 million rupees due to purchase of airbuses during the last regime.