The Hon. Chithral Fernando, Attorney-at-Law

¶ 01 Presiding Member, first I wish to condemn the heinous terrorist attack near the Red Fort in Delhi yesterday. Reports vary—10 or 13 dead—and the toll may be higher. We extend our condolences.

¶ 02 I waited since morning to speak. We watched the President’s four-and-a-half-hour speech—an oratorical feat, yes, but content matters more than duration or the 80-plus rounds of applause.

¶ 03 From the Appropriation Bill stage we noted the President’s own capital expenditure increased by 35 percent—by Rs. 2,258 million. The Prime Minister’s allocation increased by Rs. 5 million, while her recurrent expenditure was cut by Rs. 200 million. We question the way the PM’s office is being treated vis-à-vis the Presidency. Attendance-wise, the PM had 64 out of 65 sittings—perhaps they intend to seat her here permanently. But no one talks about the President’s 35 percent increase.

¶ 04 The President said State-Owned Enterprises have been made efficient. Yet the Mid-Year Fiscal Position Report shows total SOE profit in 2024 at Rs. 227 billion versus Rs. 280 billion previously—a Rs. 52 billion fall. Loss-making SOEs include: CEB (Rs. 13.2 bn loss), SriLankan Airlines (Rs. 10 bn), Lanka Sugar (Rs. 2.6 bn), Ceylon Fertilizer (Rs. 1.1 bn). So where is the efficiency? It seems the Budget drafters did not read the mid-year report.

¶ 05 On the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC): the President spoke of ensuring staff independence. Before speaking of independence, look at the Chair’s independence—everyone knows his pre-election roles. Moreover, CIABOC’s capital allocation has been cut by Rs. 380 million—92 percent. Yet you claim to be empowering it. Today the Government’s main “workhorse” is CIABOC’s show-cases; cutting its funds by 92 percent belies your words.

¶ 06 On Provincial Council elections: the President repeatedly said Rs. 10 billion is allocated, just make the law. You do not need us to make laws—you have 159 MPs. Show the numbers. In 2025, Rs. 21,000 million was allocated; in 2026 it is reduced to Rs. 6,488 million—a 70 percent cut. Capital outlays fell by Rs. 53 million (25 percent). So where is the Rs. 10 billion? In a speech you can propose anything, but check Annex 11 of the Budget—no such provision. These are empty words that put foreign guests to sleep.

¶ 07 On Health: the Minister claimed they spend more than “thirty-three crores given by gods.” In fact, this year’s allocation is Rs. 50 billion less than last year. The President promised uninterrupted quality medicines and supplies, better procurement and full utilization. Yet at the Committee on Public Finance, officials confirmed that in the first two quarters of 2024, medical supplies spending was Rs. 55 billion, but this year only Rs. 52 billion—lower than even in difficult years.

¶ 08 On youth agriculture enterprise support: the Government touted Rs. 500 million in loans for 50,000 youths. At the Sectoral Oversight Committee in October, officials admitted only 28 youths had been onboarded out of 50,000. They now say they will complete the rest over the next five years—meaning tens of thousands remain. Funds are not being utilized as claimed.

¶ 09 Finally, our Hon. Dr. Harsha de Silva acknowledged improved revenue collection. That is fine—we do not deny book figures. But rhetoric must match reality across the board, not just where it suits.