The Hon. Shantha Padma Kumara Subasingha

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, I begin with what the President stated at the outset of the Budget: growth in industry, services and agro-industry sectors; active public participation in production; and the fair distribution of gains across society. The budgetary principles affirm a people-participatory economic model and equitable sharing of benefits. With that, let me take an example from my district—Ratnapura—where Sinhala, Tamil and Muslim communities live together.

¶ 02 For 50-plus years, our people dreamed of restoring rail services through their region. The Kelani Valley railway line built by the British was closed over 50 years ago. Our people campaigned tirelessly to extend it back to Ratnapura: they struggled, wrote letters and articles. Notable figures include Geeth Manavmithra, a chemistry teacher and a true humanist, and Dr. Thushara Jayasuriya, who worked immensely to bring the railway back. About three years ago, they met now-President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and presented a comprehensive proposal to extend the Kelani Valley line to Ratnapura. I am happy to say: beyond extending to Ratnapura (Phase 1), Phase 2 will reach Kahawatta, and Phase 3 Ambilipitiya and Sooriyawewa linking to the Southern line. An initial Rs. 250 million is allocated to commence groundwork. I thank the President on behalf of the Sinhala, Tamil and Muslim people of Ratnapura.

¶ 03 We recognize some now live along the long-disused alignment. This is your government, a democratic government—you need not fear. We will protect your property to the utmost while rebuilding the line. If any acquisition is necessary, fair compensation will be provided.

¶ 04 I am also touched by provisions for children with autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders—an area never properly addressed in budgets before. Rs. 250 million is allocated to establish a model day-care/early intervention centre for about 665 such children.

¶ 05 For children in remand homes, probation, and orphanages, Rs. 5,000 per month per child will be provided; Rs. 2,000 of this will be deposited in an account opened for the child and Rs. 3,000 will go to the institution—humane, compassionate measures.

¶ 06 “Malaiyagam” Tamil people are also recognized. When the President presented the Budget, Hon. D. M. Ganesan expressed his appreciation. We in the NPP, which coined and embraced the respectful term “Malaiyagam” years ago, take humble pride. Some in the Opposition claimed only the name is used without action. I refer them to page 35: it records that the living standards of Malaiyagam Tamils remain below acceptable norms; accordingly, Rs. 7,583 million is allocated this very budget for three foundational interventions: - Rs. 4,267 million for housing and basic infrastructure development, - Rs. 2,450 million for vocational training, livelihoods and related infrastructure, - Rs. 866 million for modern/friendly classrooms for their schools.

¶ 07 An Opposition MP flaunted reading only the “cover” of our Budget. I urge them to read the contents, not just the cover.

¶ 08 We also take a healing step for national harmony: in 1982, District Development Council polls were rigged; nine ballot boxes remain missing in Jaffna. Asia’s largest public library at the time—the Jaffna Library—was burned down under the watch and instigation of leaders like J. R. Jayewardene and Nanda Mathew’s circle. A priest in a nearby church reportedly died of a heart attack upon hearing the news. In our inaugural Budget, we allocate Rs. 100 million to support its restoration. This is a small but meaningful gesture.

¶ 09 On public servants’ salaries, the Opposition sheds crocodile tears today. In 1980, when public servants demanded raises, J. R. Jayewardene’s government dismissed 114,000 workers, saying it was only the elephant’s tail. Today their successors ask what we did within three months. Here are examples for teachers:

¶ 10 - Grade 2-II teacher: current pay Rs. 64,986; rises to Rs. 74,100 from April 1; an increase of Rs. 9,114.28. - Grade 2-III (within 20 months): from requested parity of Rs. 47,615 to Rs. 66,880—an increase of Rs. 19,265. - Grade 2-I: from requested Rs. 62,595 to Rs. 81,780—an increase of Rs. 19,185. - Grade 1: from Rs. 76,175 to Rs. 98,580—an increase of Rs. 22,405.

¶ 11 Further, for school supplies: even if VAT is adjusted, children in poor families benefit more from the direct Rs. 6,000 grant for school items than a VAT cut on Rs. 30,000 of purchases. Our Budget changes direction, not just rhetoric.

¶ 12 Finally, I propose to the Tourism Minister—Ratnapura District should be declared a tourism zone and destination. Thank you.