Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) Hambantota District MP Namal Rajapaksa says he abstained from voting on the second reading of the Budget 2024, which was held in Parliament yesterday (Nov 21).
Responding to questions raised by reporters, MP Namal Rajapaksa said he had abstained from voting as there was no practical program to develop the rural economy and as it appears that there are problems in the practical implementation of the budget proposals at the ground level.
Pointing out that the budget consists of both good and bad proposals, the MP added that some are practically impossible to implement.
He further said that the Budget 2024 consists of proposals that were already proposed in the Appropriation Bill for the fiscal year 2023.
Stating that it was the responsibility of the Opposition to defeat the budget, MP Rajapaksa questioned if they did not intend to do so.
MP Namal Rajapaksa emphasised that especially as a member of the government, it was his duty to stand up for the public by pointing out the mistakes and weaknesses of the budget and providing benefits to them. (NewsWire)