Now I have to go after the Finance Secretary begging for money – Government Printer

Gangani Liyanage, the Government Printer, says that the Election Commission gave money in the previous elections. However, in this election, she has to go behind the Finance Secretary asking for money, adding that if everyone fulfills their responsibilities, this situation will not arise.
Although it is the job of the government press to carry out the necessary printing work for the election, the Election Commission should directly intervene to provide the necessary funds for it, she said, adding that she has sent two letters to the Finance Secretary asking for the money, but she has not received any reply to those letters so far.
Even though the Election Commissioner General informed her that the postal ballot papers should be given on the 15th of this month, the necessary money for the printing work has not been received. On the 15th she informed the Commission about the difficulties in providing the postal ballot papers. She says that since it takes 25-30 days to complete the work to be done by the government press, the printing work will be completed within that time from the day money and police protection are received.
Pointing out that more money than the estimated amount has to be paid for the printing works, the Government Printer says that the remaining printing works cannot be done until the required money and police protection are provided.
Also, due to the circular issued by the Finance Secretary to suspend services and purchases, there is a situation where further printing work can only be carried out once the money is received, she further stated.