Chief Minister of the Central Province Sarath Ekanayake says that the discussions held with President Maithripala Sirisena, regarding fund allocations for provincial councils in the 2017 Budget, was a success. 

The President today (Nov. 22) chaired a meeting on provincial development activities expected to be carried out next year. The meeting was held at the President’s Office in the Parliament premises, with participation of all Chief Ministers of the Provincial Councils.

The discussion was focused on the new projects to be implemented at provincial levels. They also discussed about the future plans in this regard.

The Provincial Ministers presented the plans for future development works in their provinces on this occasion.

Minister of Finance, Ravi Karunanayake and the Secretary to the Ministry R. H. S. Samarathunga were among those who participated in this discussion. 

The Chief Ministers had also briefed the President regarding the matter of Provincial Councils still not having received the total allocations made to respective provinces for this year in the 2016 Budget. 

They pointed out that the provincial councils had insufficient funds to pay contractors engaged in the various development activities taking place.

Therefore the President informed the finance minister to provide the funds allocated to PCs for this year part by part before December 10. 

During the meeting, the Chief Ministers also stressed that the funds allocated for provincial councils this year was around 50 per cent less compared to the previous year. 

Making a special clarification on this matter, the Minister of Finance pointed out that considering the financial situation this year steps were taken to reduce the allocations even for the ministries let alone provincial councils.

However, he stated that the country is expected to receive financial assistance from several feign nations next year and that those moneys will be provided to provincial councils as a percentage mid next year.