In keeping with the ruling UPFA’s short term goal of eliminating poverty by 2016 and long term plans for the development of the country, the next budget to be presented by President Mahinda Rajapaksa in November, would target the years 2015 to 2017, the Minister said.

"Development would become more meaningful when the scourge of poverty is eliminated. With this in mind various measures would be introduced to gradually reduce poverty and achieve our goal of a self sufficient society by 2016."

The Minister stressed that the Appropriation Bill would also give priority to education, health and vocational training, in keeping with their policy of creating an educated and healthy community. (ST/KH)