The Hon. M.K.M. Aslam

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, this Budget can be described not merely as a National People’s Power Budget but as a citizens’ Budget. Why? Because with the National People’s Power Government coming to office, we were given the opportunity to realize the aspirations of the people. For 76 years we saw how those who governed did so, and Budgets were presented mainly for the wellbeing of the rulers and their entourages. Today, however, we see a Budget crafted to uplift the lives of ordinary people. In particular, this Budget allocates substantial funds to uplift rural life.

¶ 02 What did we expect from the National People’s Power? We believed that the 30-year Eelam war and 14 years of anti-Muslim hostilities should never recur. We must free our country from racism, foster harmony among communities, eradicate corruption and fraud, prevent waste, protect national resources and use them properly to take the country forward. The people gave this mandate to the National People’s Power. We are pleased that this Budget has curtailed privileges for rulers and MPs. There are no special allocations for MPs and Ministers; instead, we have allocated significant funds to serve our people.

¶ 03 Our people expected a good health system from the National People’s Power Government. This is a historic Budget with an unprecedented allocation for health services. Similarly, unprecedented allocations have been made to provide a strong education system. There are 10,191 schools in our country. We have allocated substantial funds for these schools, where 221,698 teachers serve and 4.1 million children learn. Rs. 450 billion has been allocated for our schoolchildren.

¶ 04 A large portion of our people use SLTB and private buses, and railways. We have allocated funds to procure 600 new buses and to improve the efficiency of railway services with new engines and rolling stock.

¶ 05 Next, with greater attention to rural and provincial roads, we have presented a Budget that uplifts rural life. While some Hon. Members praise this Budget, others complain “no funds for my area or province.” We need not speak like that. This is Sri Lanka—our country as a whole.

¶ 06 In the North and East, and particularly in certain provinces, there are many shortcomings. Some people do not even know what life means, especially in the northern hill-country areas. Last Thursday, I went to Ridigama and Raddagoda for a discussion in an estate-line-room area. Issues of innocent Tamil plantation workers were raised. One person spoke in Tamil: “Brother, we bring foreign exchange to this country through our work. On TV, they talk highly of us as special people of the nation. But in reality, no one cares. We do not get seats in buses. Our children are harassed on the way to school. We cannot get service at hospitals without harassment. Even at the police and local authorities, we face such problems. We cannot even reliably receive letters to our homes.”

¶ 07 They also said: “There is Rambadagala National School, and 3 km away is Panagama Annoor Central College, a Tamil-medium school. The SLTB bus goes only to Rambadagala National School and not three kilometres further to our Tamil school. About 200 of our children attend there. Who will ease our suffering?” They said Grama Niladharis and Development Officers never visit their villages; that even the elderly must find those officers themselves. Hon. Presiding Member, this must change. Under an NPP Government, no one should live without dignity, under fear or oppression. I promised them that the GN and DO will compulsorily visit their village at least one day a week, and I spoke to the Divisional Secretary.

¶ 08 I also discussed with the Officer-in-Charge of the Ridigama SLTB Depot; from yesterday (Monday), that bus is running up to Panagama Annoor Central College. I discussed with the Ridigama Postmistress as well. If letters do not reach those households—be it pawn notices, appointment letters or O/L results—those people are helpless. Such things must not happen under our Government. We came with the mandate of Muslims, Sinhalese and Tamils alike, and no one should live oppressed.

¶ 09 We must protect these people. I told my constituents, “You are our responsibility,” and we will take that responsibility. The President has taken responsibility for the nation. As Chair of the District Coordinating Committee, I take responsibility for all matters in my area, and we expect institutional heads to serve the people well. We must deliver.

¶ 10 From Kurunegala, I inform my people: the construction of the Meerigama–Kadawatha Expressway section, long halted, will commence this year. We are also ready to establish the dual railway line from Polgahawela to Rambukkana.

¶ 11 Some in the Opposition do not grasp the intent of this Budget and try to politicize it. This Budget aligns with our policies—eradicating poverty, building a digital economy and a Clean Sri Lanka. If you oppose it, point out pros and cons constructively; we are ready to consider your views and make improvements.

¶ 12 Let us unite to change this country’s condition. This Budget is designed to uplift rural, poor and ordinary people; to revive their economies; provide good lives, education and health; to improve rural roads. No recent government has pursued such change. We will deliver this transformation. The NPP will change this country, and the benefits of this Budget will reach all promptly. Thank you for the opportunity.