The Hon. Lakshman Nipuna Arachchi

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Chairperson, with this Budget presented by the President, a 48-year stagnation changes. The President states on page 1 of “Budget Speech – 2025”:

¶ 02 “In 2022 Sri Lanka faced its deepest and most complex socio-economic and political crisis since independence. Though it peaked in 2022, its causes are historic and structural—corrupt governance, failed economic policies, and irresponsible public finance management.”

¶ 03 All accept this. Our Hon. Nalinda Jayatissa also cited some of this. I too quote Ronnie de Mel’s 15.11.1977 Hansard opening:

¶ 04 “Under the distinguished leadership of Hon. J. R. Jayewardene, it is my privilege to present the inaugural Budget of the UNP Government… With the blessings of the Triple Gem, may this Budget set Sri Lanka on a new path and bring prosperity to our people.”

¶ 05 He then moved the second reading of the Dissolution Bill. He spoke of future prosperity—but the end result, as history shows, was different. He also noted (Hansard cols. 15–16) that the people’s overwhelming mandate rejected the 1970–77 policies. True. In 1977 they voted for change. Likewise today we have a two-thirds and single-party governance—like their five-sixths then. Much of Ronnie’s speech criticized the prior seven years. President Anura’s speech contains only a few lines of such reflection; the bulk looks forward.

¶ 06 They ask why this Budget has “no this, no that.” Because this is the first step of a development budget—the foundation. We cannot do everything now. Our “beautiful life” has milestones for 2028–2029; this is the foundation. But the Opposition says we have not allocated for “CCTV cameras” in the house we plan to build. We are funding the foundation now; CCTV will come when the house is completed in 2028.

¶ 07 They also conflate different crimes—Ganemulla Sanjeewa vs. Mideniya—mixing up cases and creating confusion.

¶ 08 About the origin of the underworld: after the 1977 Government, the July 1980 strike arose because despite the promises in 1977, public servants saw no raises in 1978 or 1979 and demanded Rs. 10 per day. That strike was crushed—by bicycle-chain gangs. That is how underworld elements were nurtured then, and grew: under JR and Premadasa—“Soththi Upali,” under Chandrika—“Beddagana Sanjeewa,” under Rajapaksas—“Julampitiye Amare,” then “Wambotte,” “Oriy Ranjith,” “Carrot Vimal,” etc. Every regime had links. So when there is gang-on-gang conflict, why should MPs be afraid unless there are links? I walk alone at Piliyandala junction—if one has no links, why fear?

¶ 09 Recently, instead of policy, MPs have been complaining about their insurance being cut. If in a private job the pay or benefits are inadequate, you change jobs. If MPs think this job is not worthwhile without extra insurance or perks, they too can seek other employment. Thank you.