Following is the text of the Interim Budget presented to Parliament by President Ranil Wickremesinghe in his capacity as Finance Minister:
The Interim Budget is being presented today to the Parliament, in order to prepare the basic foundation for changing the economic trajectory of our country. This is basic to the formulation of a national economic policy in accordance with the new world order. Based on this foundation, the Budget for the year 2023 will initiate the process of creating a new economy. For the process of creating a new economy, I plan to present a comprehensive set of proposals in the Budget 2023.
In presenting the Interim Budget, I wish to draw your attention to four aspects.
1. Economic Crisis
1.1 On many occasions, I have pointed out the extent and depth of the economic crisis that we are facing. We have not fallen into such an economic abyss in our recent history. Some people in our country do not yet have a real understanding of its severity. When pointing out the difficulties and hardships, they are viewed with sarcasm. They think like crabs that happily lay in the water that is on the fire, until it reaches boiling point. However, there are also those among us who think in a more responsible manner, having understood the gravity of this situation, and resolutely seek to battle in dousing the fire.
2. Causes of the Economic Crisis
2.1 It is a widespread slogan these days to claim that the country has deteriorated for 74 years after independence….
