Hon. Ruwan Wijeweera

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, pursuant to the policy declaration presented at the last election by the National People’s Power (NPP) under the theme “A Prosperous Country – A Beautiful Life,” the President yesterday presented to this House the Citizens’ Budget for 2025. We are gathered for the Second Reading debate on that Budget.

¶ 02 A budget sets the direction of a country’s economy and outlines the basic approaches to economic management. Considering the context in which this 2025 Citizens’ Budget is presented, we all know the environment that had taken shape by the time we assumed office. It is essential to understand that background as we enter this debate.

¶ 03 On one side, a bankrupt economy had been created in our country. On the other, the opposition propagated many myths about the NPP Government’s economic management—especially the myth that the NPP had no capacity, competence, or vision to manage the economy. Despite that noise, a decisive popular mandate and an awakened public expectation stood behind the making of this Budget—to enable more prosperous and just lives. The President’s statements and this document clearly reflect those expectations.

¶ 04 Since morning we have heard fierce criticism on economic issues and on this Budget. The macroeconomic instability we inherited within the already created sovereign bankruptcy was not of our making. The essay series “Sri Lanka: from debt default to transformative growth,” under the section “Reasons for having a poor monetary and fiscal policy,” identifies how weak economic and fiscal policies impacted the country: “Key vulnerabilities include weak tax collection, poor fiscal management and inefficient SOEs.” In short, weak tax collection and fiscal management crippled our macro framework. We saw a tax system riddled with loopholes for the big and powerful, while burdening ordinary people.

¶ 05 This Budget proposes policy recommendations that focus on enhancing tax revenue and strengthening public financial management. We are implementing a tax policy that does not allow the powerful to slip through, while providing relief to the public. The President yesterday demonstrated how to manage state expenditure positively. Beyond the President, the Prime Minister, Ministers and State Ministers, all NPP MPs have shown how to cut state spending—reducing perks, security entourages, and costs, and managing with minimal teams.

¶ 06 We saw in the past how public finances were misused on foreign trips—more like pilgrimages—with family entourages. In contrast, look at how our President traveled to India, China, and the UAE—setting a new political culture. The dollars allocated for those trips were partly saved and returned to the Treasury for the people. We used to hear of such leaders only in stories; now we are fortunate to have one—this is how state spending should be managed.

¶ 07 We have also set precedents in managing state enterprises: no nepotism; no political appointments. That is the first step in fiscal discipline.

¶ 08 The document also stresses “attaining fiscal sustainability,” which “requires a strong political will, technical capabilities and cooperation among all stakeholders.” We have that strong political will. The opposition won’t admit it, but even the U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Julie Chung, at the 42nd AGM of the Sri Lanka Apparel Exporters Association, commended Sri Lanka’s commitment to transparency, good governance, and a welcoming business environment. Transparency means returning unspent foreign travel dollars; those who did the opposite find this like magic. Good governance is embedded throughout this Budget.

¶ 09 She also highlighted Sri Lanka’s leadership in ethical manufacturing practices and reaffirmed U.S. support for Sri Lanka’s economic progress. Those who claimed our international relations would stall must now confront these facts. There is political will and leadership under President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.

¶ 10 Let me note key items: As Deputy Minister Mahinda Jayasinghe explained, the Budget allocates Rs. 619 billion for education—unprecedented—and addresses teacher, principal, and staff remuneration as part of developing human capital. We believe teachers and state workers will rally to this vision.

¶ 11 Hon. Presiding Member, I also wish to highlight sports schools. I taught at Mahanama Central College, Monaragala, the district’s only sports school, but we could not commence due to inadequate funds even for student meals and other facilities. This Budget doubles the sports school meal allowance from Rs. 5,000 to Rs. 10,000 and includes Uva among the five selected provinces for sports school development. From districts like Monaragala we already have athletes representing the national cricket team; with proper investment more children will emerge.

¶ 12 Finally, allow me to extend, with respect and affection, the President’s invitation to all Sri Lankans:

¶ 13 “We invite you to return and see how much Sri Lanka has changed. Whether from the private, public or non-profit sector, contribute your expertise, insights and perspectives to our determined island. Join us, work with us, and be part of the success we can achieve together.”

¶ 14 May all Sri Lankans near and far join to make this Budget a reality and build a prosperous country for the people. Thank you.