Preparations underway for a new Vote on Account: Treasury Secretary

The Finance Ministry is now preparing another 3-month Vote on Account commencing from June 2020, the third for the year, to raise the necessary finances from the Consolidated Fund, Treasury Secretary S.R Attygalle said.

The money will be used for uninterrupted government services, COVID-19 eradication activities and holding of Parliamentary elections.

There is special provision given under existing laws to withdraw money under the warrant of the President when the budget for the new financial year is not presented or the elections are underway and when a caretaker government is in place,he disclosed.

This procedure is being followed under the present unforeseen circumstance for the second time during the current financial year; he said adding that in a similar manner two Votes on Accounts were presented in 2010 as well.

Authorisation of the President will be given for expenditure from the Consolidated Fund pending approval of the new Parliament, he disclosed.

This will be in accordance with the provisions of paragraph (3) of Article 150 of the Constitution.

Mr. Attygalle noted that income has come down in April due to the lock down of economic activity while revenue collection of relevant authorities dwindled to a very low level.

Revenue collection of Excise Department and Motor Traffic Department came to a standstill while non tax income was marginal last month.

He noted that income and expenditure estimates of the new Vote on Account have not been finalised as yet.

According to provisional estimates of the proposed, new Vote on Account, a total provision of around Rs. 1.2 to 1.4 trillion will be provided for government expenditure comprising both recurrent and capital expenditures.