PM responds to RW's concerns: "President still has powers to release funds from consolidated fund after 30th March"

COLOMBO (News 1st):- Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa has responded to the remarks made by several factions including United National Party Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe regarding the government's spendings. The Prime Minister stated that when the Parliament is dissolved, the President has the powers to release funds from the Consolidated Fund for the operation of state bodies. He pointed out that the President has been vested with these powers according to Section 150 (3) of the constitution. Therefore, Prime Minister Rajapaksa stated that the people do not have to create fear as to whether the government has sufficient funds for its efforts to combat COVID-19 and to ensure the operation of other state services. While alleging that two factions of the United National Party are attempting to gain political advantage using the situation surrounding COVID-19, the Prime Minister claimed that the efforts undertaken by the "Good Governance" government to cut off the provision of funds for the new government had proved futile. He condemned the efforts of certain factions to paralyze the country in the backdrop of a pandemic, by challenging the financial powers vested by the constitution upon the President. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa has called for a party leaders meeting tomorrow (March 24). The meeting is scheduled to take place at Temple Trees.