Ranil reminds Ravi he is the boss!

Dec 17, 2015

Incidents presently taking place within the UNP show that the issues pertaining to the budget have had an impact on the party’s internal affairs. Finance minister Ravi Karunanayake met prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe last night (16) at Temple Trees to discuss how to find the additional Rs. 7,000 million needed after the prime minister made changes to the budget proposals. 

During the meeting, Karunanayake proposed that the salaries of MPs be increased. Rejecting it swiftly, the PM said, “What madness? Do not talk nonsense when we cannot find this Rs. 7,000 million. MPs’ mouths should be shut not by raising their salaries, but by showing what they are capable of. If such a thing is done, the entire country will take to the streets. Already, there is enough trouble. Do not make matters worse.”

 

Backing away after the PM’s reply, the finance minister then inquired, “What is to be done about the doctors’ permits?” When the PM said, “Oh. We promised to give that. So, give it,” the minister looked firm and said, “That cannot be given. Instead, a Rs. 25,000 monthly allowance can be given. The state should own the imported vehicles. If they leave the state service, they should return the vehicles.”

 

Angered by the minister’s challenging approach, the PM said in an angry tone, “I am the party leader. You work according to my instructions.”

 

However, after the discussion, they were all smiles when shaking hands before taking their leave.