The Hon. (Mrs.) Thushari Jayasingha, Attorney-at-Law

¶ 01 Thank you, Hon. Presiding Member. This Budget seeks economic, social and political transformation aligned with people’s aspirations.

¶ 02 We cannot forget the recent collapse that drove professionals to emigrate rapidly. This Budget provides a long-sought public sector salary increase—not as piecemeal allowances but in basic pay—meeting a core demand. With higher basic pay, workers can qualify for bank loans which require minimum salary thresholds; often, loan applications were rejected for minor shortfalls, forcing many—especially women—into high-interest private lending and microfinance traps, leading even to suicides and broken families. By raising basic pay, we help prevent such exploitation—this particularly benefits women.

¶ 03 For women and children, we increase the preschool breakfast payment from Rs. 60 to Rs. 100 per meal, allocating Rs. 1,000 million. Contrary to Opposition claims, we have allocated Rs. 5,000 million for Thriposha in this Budget. In Kandy District’s plantation communities, Thriposha is a vital, practical, nutritious supplement for children.

¶ 04 On neurodevelopmental disorders: the Health Ministry estimates about 10% of newborns have such conditions. In Kandy, MOH clinics identify these children early and refer them to hospitals such as Digana Rehabilitation Hospital, Peradeniya Teaching Hospital, Kandy National Hospital and Gampola Base Hospital. Doctors say if autism is identified before age 3, our system can achieve near-complete recovery. Thus, the allocation of Rs. 250 million for an integrated early childhood development centre for children with autism and related disorders is significant.

¶ 05 Previously, development was often patronage-driven. Now, projects will be evenly distributed based on need across the country, as the President clearly stated. We also prioritize public transport improvement. Rail can carry agri-produce—Bandarawela flowers and Nuwara Eliya vegetables—efficiently. Yet, past local politicians encroached on railway lands; for instance in Nawalapitiya, over 78 perches have been unlawfully occupied despite a case (No. 75858) filed under the State Lands (Recovery of Possession) Act to reclaim 11.25 perches. Even a railway tourist bungalow and worker quarters have been affected. How can public transport be strengthened if such encroachments persist? We must correct this to realize the Budget’s transport vision.

¶ 06 Kandy is home to Sinhalese, Tamils, Muslims, Burghers, Malays and Eurasians, and this Budget supports creating a unifying Sri Lankan Day—a commendable initiative. Thank you.