The Hon. Lasith Bhashana Gamage

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Chairperson, this is a historic moment — the first democratic Budget of the first democratic government in Sri Lankan history.

¶ 02 People in every sector made sacrifices to elect this Government, especially the youth. I wish to highlight provisions in this Budget for youth and projects aligned to national needs. Those aged 18–35 are youth. While cost of living soared over the past five years, university allowances were not increased. This Budget changes that: university Mahapola from Rs. 5,000 to Rs. 7,500; general student stipend from Rs. 4,000 to Rs. 6,500; TVET trainee allowance from Rs. 4,000 to Rs. 5,000.

¶ 03 Past governments spent hundreds of millions through the National Youth Services Council on concerts to harvest votes. Instead, this Budget allocates Rs. 2,450 million to provide vocational training to our own brothers and sisters — the plantation youth neglected for decades. Rs. 500 million is allocated for youth agri-entrepreneurs.

¶ 04 I speak with personal experience. As an ordinary youth, after graduating in 2020, I started a farm and faced two big problems: land and finance. There was no proper land policy; procedures were corrupt. When I took my project proposal to the Ministry, first I was asked if I had “connections”. The proposal was not even read. Later I saw the same officials in discussions on agri-entrepreneurship with a former President who destroyed agriculture — an absurdity. Many youth see this culture and the top of the state machinery similarly. Now a large responsibility falls on public officials to manage and implement these programmes efficiently. With proper management, funds can be used effectively.

¶ 05 People’s attitudes and political culture are changing. I believe officials will support efficient implementation. As an MP for Gampaha, where there are about 4,500 acres of paddy in my electorate alone, we have decided to direct the decentralized funds to strengthen the district’s agri-industrial economy and flood management, including minor canals — a big boost to a production economy.

¶ 06 We have a vast state machinery down to the village: GN officers, field officers, those who truly know the people’s problems. This Budget improves their environment, including salary increases for field officers, Grama Niladharis, Agriculture Research and Production Assistants, Samurdhi officers, and Development Officers, and recruitment of 30,000 to the public service — opportunities mainly for youth, on merit without political interference. The culture of distributing jobs by height is over.

¶ 07 On Clean Sri Lanka, Rs. 5,000 million is allocated. It’s a large sum; implementation must be proper. During the BIMSTEC Youth Summit, we discussed India’s “Viksit Bharat” approach and will learn from them. I believe funds will be managed throughout the year.

¶ 08 This Budget frees the country from bankruptcy and restores fiscal discipline. The Opposition should engage in constructive criticism: identify unnecessary expenditure, query over-allocations, or revenue gaps — not empty shouting. Their biggest pain seems the removal of vehicle permits. Some “thinkers” are scrambling to label our economic model.

¶ 09 This is the best Budget relative to our times and economy. If executed, the country will take significant steps forward in economic and social spheres. Thank you.