Transport, Highways and Mass Media Minister Dr. Bandula Gunawardena said Rs. 8 billion has been spent on Local Government elections in the past and this time with the increase in expenses, Rs.16 billion may be needed.
The minister said that money cannot be printed to hold an election and other than necessary loan payments during the restructuring of the existing debt, money will not be printed.
The Minister stated this yesterday (17) in response to a question by a journalist at the media briefing to announce Cabinet Decisions at the Department of Government Information.
The minister also said that if the standard relevant to money printing is breached, more difficult times will come. He said if an election is held he will not hesitate to contest. The minister also said that other issues in the country should be looked into and that there is a problem of increasing the price of electricity and during the time Advanced Level examination is held power cannot be interrupted and as a result an additional Rs.357 million will have to be spent. The minister also said that the Treasury has announced that the money will be given in installments if it is decided to hold the election.
