2022 Budget : "We might have to take from the people" - Basil

 

With the prices of most commodities having skyrocketed, journalists asked Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa about what is in store for the people from the 2022 Budget.

Rajapaksa refrained from making a statement, saying that the matter was non-disclosable.

Asked as to whether any relief would be provided to the people from the Budget, Rajapaksa indicated otherwise.

"Regardless of giving the people, we might have to take from the people", he responded.

Soon after his appointment as the Minister of Finance in August this year, Rajapaksa noted that he may have to take "unpopular, unpleasant decisions in the future", adding that he intended to lead the country to prosperity under the leadership of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa.

Rajapaksa further stated that the public’s needs are his and his ministry’s top concern and that they have a good concept on how to meet those demands and would make courageous decisions.