Addressing an event in Kalutara he added that the Budget for year 2017 would be presented to the House on 10th November.

The VAT Bill was approved at the Cabinet yesterday. “An Act, which has a bearable pressure on public, was passed”, he added.

“Previous government has not obtained loans through the treasury. Therefore, we have to settle a Rs.1.3 trillion loan. This was the cause for the VAT issue”, he added and said “this is a temporary issue. Even under this situation, we will take measures to provide relief to the public. ”