The Hon. Danushka Ranganath

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, for centuries we held a dream. To realize it, I am grateful for the chance to speak on the second allotted day of debate on our Government’s Budget.

¶ 02 We know there was a political transformation at the last election. Our aim is not to stop at political change to secure positions; it is to move beyond into social transformation — to build a better society than the present. This Budget marks the beginning of that social transformation.

¶ 03 We did not inherit an easy country — it was at maximum distress politically, economically, and socially. This Budget shows how, through collective effort, we will rebuild. No matter how the Opposition frets, we will implement this programme.

¶ 04 This Budget allocates the largest sums to health and education to ensure healthier lives. As Hon. Ambika Samiwel noted, more opportunities are provided for the Malaiyaha Tamil community. In districts like Kalutara, about 45,000 Malaiyaha Tamils live. Rs. 7,583 million is allocated for their welfare, recognizing that their living standards lag behind others and require targeted support. Estate sector infrastructure — roads, water, sanitation — will be upgraded accordingly.