The Hon. (Dr.) Dammika Patabendi - Minister of Environment

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees, the 2025 Budget is special as it is the first presented by a truly people’s Government in our history. It provides a realistic analysis of the economy with a long-term vision. Importantly, it goes beyond mere economics to address society as a whole.

¶ 02 Despite public praise for the reliefs and comprehensive sectoral coverage in this Budget, the Opposition casts doubt and spreads negativity. That is not good for them; the public will not accept their mischaracterizations.

¶ 03 They allege the NPP failed to present a socialist Budget; they also lament that it is neoliberal. Had we presented a “socialist” Budget by their labels, they would still criticize it. If they had to present the 2025 Budget, they would not present this one; they would be preparing the next Ranil Budget.

¶ 04 Our economic policy is clearly stated in the NPP policy document: an economy of economic democracy ensuring fair opportunity to participate, fair say in decisions under equal mediation, and fair sharing of benefits; a resilient productive economy integrating human capital development and technological roadmaps; and a ten-principle framework targeting a real GDP of USD 120 billion by 2030 with sustainable growth and development. This Budget aligns with those principles—productive, participatory, and fairly distributing benefits.

¶ 05 Opposition “economic gurus” cite the 1970s and lionize Ronnie de Mel’s neoliberalism. But we live in a far more modern era; even globally, such models have run their course. Today, the US and UK are moving from neoliberalism to economic nationalism. Therefore, the policies they admire are outdated.

¶ 06 One MP claimed the President’s Budget swapped “Das Kapital” for Adam Smith’s “Wealth of Nations” and neoliberalism. But when Smith wrote that book, there was no “neoliberalism”; that emerged post-1973 oil crisis. Please avoid false claims in this House. Another claim—that Deng Xiaoping learned open economy policy from Sri Lanka—is also false. Ronnie de Mel presented Sri Lanka’s first open economy Budget on 7 Nov 1977; its third reading was 17 Dec 1977. China’s decisions on the socialist market economy were taken at the 11th National Congress in August 1977. These Opposition attempts to mislead will not succeed.

¶ 07 They also said previous Finance Ministers stated their macro framework first, unlike President Anura Dissanayake. But page 6 of the 2025 Budget speech clearly sets out the core principles, focusing on supply-side anchors in agriculture, industry, and services.

¶ 08 For us, a Budget is not only about prices, wages, and fiscal/monetary tweaks; it is a comprehensive statement of our program—covering health, education, housing, environment, women, children, and national reconciliation. This Budget includes measures to promote national harmony and build a Sri Lankan nation—for example, improving the Jaffna Library with Rs. 100 million for computers and essential facilities, not merely as an education measure but as part of national reconciliation. Significant funds are allocated for rural roads and bridges in the North, for Mulliyawalai–Vattuvaakal Bridge, for Eastern Province development, and for uplifting the “Malaiyagam” Tamil community’s living standards. The “Sri Lanka Day” national festival also receives focus.

¶ 09 Further, we allocate Rs. 2.1 billion for national integration, Rs. 1.3 billion for Dhamma schools of all religions, and Rs. 3.54 billion to improve religious activities across all faiths—showcasing a broad reconciliation agenda. This is a unique Budget—moving beyond economics to cover social dimensions with plans, resources, and vision.