The Hon. Shanta Pathma Kumara Subasingha

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Chairperson, before I begin, two “babies” previously invited to speak in this House—progeny of two former Presidents—made allegations which I must briefly clarify.

¶ 02 Our Leader of the Opposition spoke of political victimization and mentioned Ratnapura. Ironically, the then Ratnapura GA/District Secretary, Mr. Bandula Harischandra—now Governor of the Southern Province—opposed large-scale illegal clearing and logging in Ratnapura. What did the 2015–2016 yahapalana government of our present Leader of the Opposition do? They kept Bandula Harischandra in the pool. Those who intervened then were Talatha Athukorala and John Amaratunga. That is political victimization.

¶ 03 Another example: In 2021, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s “Gama Samaga Pilisandara” in Meemure—when the President suggested allowing villagers to enter the reserve, then Secretary to the Ministry of Wildlife, Bandula Harischandra, gave the legal position. After that, he too was sent to the pool for three months. Now those same “babies” talk of political victimization.

¶ 04 On unemployed graduates’ jobs: President Anura Dissanayake clearly stated in the Budget that Rs. 10,000 million is allocated to recruit 30,000 to the public service, with the majority to be teachers. We know the hardship of graduates waiting years without jobs; hence recruiting 30,000 in our first Budget.

¶ 05 The Hon. Prime Minister also clarified that diploma holders of NIE and education degrees will be recruited as teachers. In Sabaragamuwa alone, there are 3,040 teacher vacancies; we will fill them through transparent competitive exams, without political interference—not under tamarind trees, not with “if tall, security; if short, labourer.”

¶ 06 On allegations of victimizing public servants: What was done to former Chief Justice Shirani Bandaranayake? A select committee dragged her down from office. What was done to former CIABOC Chairperson Dilrukshi Dias? We saw that too. So let us not pretend to be saints.

¶ 07 Today we discuss the Votes of the Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government. Many have not addressed the substance. Children faint at school assemblies due to malnutrition. As a former teacher, I have seen that. Our Government allocates Rs. 32.1 billion for a nutrition programme for schoolchildren, with provincial allocations (e.g., Western Rs. 6,600 million; Southern Rs. 3,600 million; Sabaragamuwa Rs. 3,000 million; Eastern Rs. 3,650 million, etc.). We increased the per-meal allocation from Rs. 60 to Rs. 110 and will cover all Grades 1–5. We also allocate Rs. 3.2 billion for preschool nutrition and Rs. 950 million for an additional allowance for preschool teachers. We will complete “Nearest School is the Best School” with Rs. 5,250 million.

¶ 08 On public sector salary increases: In 26 days you will see the April pay. Then it will be clear who spoke truth. Some advise us not to raise pay before elections; yet we proceed with a historic increase. When we assumed office, the economy was in collapse. Through prudent decisions by President Anura Dissanayake and team, the economy is strengthening: stock market rising since Inauguration Day; 4.4 percent growth; rupee stabilizing; dollar under Rs. 300; FDI returning. Hence the Opposition’s anxiety. If the NPP Government implements this Budget fully, in a year there will be little left for them to criticize. Thank you for the opportunity to comment on these Votes.