Lanka opposition critical of govt's economic policies

Sri Lanka's joint opposition today criticised the government's economic policies which has caused a steep slide in foreign reserves and making its currency's value weaker due to an increase in Indian car imports to the country.
The Maruti car imports have seen a 63 per cent increase in 2015, opposition legislator Bandula Gunawardana told parliament here.
He was critical of causing a steep slide in foreign reserves by the government allowing Indian car imports and in the bargain making the Sri Lankan rupee weaker.
He was speaking in the no faith motion moved by the joint opposition against Finance Minister Ravi Karunanayake.

Gunawardana charged that the 2016 budget was full of contradictions and the government had resorted to heavy printing of money due to economic mismanagement.
Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe who followed Gunawardana asked what was wrong in allowing Indian car imports.
"We did open up in 2015 so there was nothing wrong in allowing Indian cars into the country from our closest neighbour than allowing BMWs and Lamborghinis," he said.