The Hon. Hector Appuhamy

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, thank you for the opportunity during these days of the 2025 Budget debate. Today I noticed government MPs seem to forget they are the government. Do not come here merely to berate the Opposition; tell the people what you will deliver through this Budget.

¶ 02 The Fisheries Minister claimed large sums for fishers. What exactly—69%—has been allocated? The Deputy Minister has taken funds for the South; the Minister for the North. What of other fishers? What about Puttalam, Colombo, Kalutara? Are they not citizens? What relief goes to them? Do not just read aloud; read the Budget carefully and say what is actually in it.

¶ 03 What is provided for women entrepreneurs? The Finance Minister’s Budget shows not only expenditures but the revenue plan: 80% through taxes. You came to power saying you would not burden the people with taxes; yet you plan to bridge the Rs. 2,200 billion deficit and borrow Rs. 4,000 billion, while reopening vehicle imports to raise revenue. With a ban on vehicles older than three years, 2022 models may not even be available and Japanese prices are high; add taxes and a small car hits Rs. 20 million. You promised Vitz cars at Rs. 1.2–1.4 million; now they are near Rs. 10 million. You raised false hopes among workers and the diaspora; now many cannot afford a vehicle. If you had allowed five- or six‑year‑old used imports, prices would be lower and you could still tax them.

¶ 04 What about decisions on foreign employment and training? On tourism? We will discuss in the committee stage—be ready to listen.

¶ 05 Look at public security: in Aluthkade Magistrate’s Court, a suspect was shot before the judge—the first such incident in history. Where is national security? Those who boasted of giving “tuition” in national security must answer. If you cannot ensure it, resign; the Justice Minister should resign too. Even if the deceased had underworld ties, the responsibility lies with the Justice Ministry when a suspect is killed in court custody.

¶ 06 The Public Security Minister earlier made sweeping claims about police officers—what is the reality now? Come to this House and answer.

¶ 07 At village level, what is there for small producers and micro‑industries? With fuel, electricity, and transport costs plus wages, nothing is left. Where is the plan to give them breathing space? Women across the country took to the streets; where is a real programme for their self‑employment?

¶ 08 On exports and revenue, you need a concrete programme to earn, not just a spending plan. Fine speeches are easy; implementation is what matters.

¶ 09 Mark my words: many who praise this Budget now will not come to speak next year when the 2026 Budget is presented, because half of what is promised will remain undone. Revenues won’t materialise as estimated. Prepare a proper revenue plan and fund it realistically.

¶ 10 When we question, you respond by attacking the past—that is the Opposition’s role. As the government, show how you will change systems and implement digitalisation in practice—what can be done now, what later. Work together—government and Opposition—to increase revenue and curb smuggling and tax evasion.

¶ 11 Do not claim this is a “historic” Budget. Budgets are not historic—results are. We seek systems that solve problems, not labels.

¶ 12 Provide practical answers. In six to seven months, if you fail to deliver, you will have to answer for it.

¶ 13 Some in your own party say privately they do not know what to do. Resolve your issues first. There are good people among you—let them lead with compassion, not envy and anger.

¶ 14 Poverty cannot be ended by handouts alone. Where is the practical pathway to lift people up? Under Samurdhi, benefits were coupled with programmes to turn the poor into entrepreneurs. Have you integrated such mechanisms now? Near elections and New Year, distributing parcels does not change lives.

¶ 15 Debt restructuring—do not boast; much follows what Ranil Wickremesinghe began. Perhaps there was no alternative, but your practical actions differ from your words.

¶ 16 Official residences for ministers exist for reasons of statecraft and diplomacy; many decisions were fostered through such engagements. International relations are built by human connection, not mere letters. We must engage the world collaboratively to progress. To reach your goals, you need humane, unifying policies—not cruelty or division.

¶ 17 I will continue in the second round. Thank you.