The Hon. Hansaka Wijemuni - Deputy Minister of Health

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, it is a privilege to speak on a Budget that is realistic, practical, and guided by a coherent philosophy for a rapidly recovering economic and social environment. It is also a privilege to participate in this debate as partners in transforming the strategic plans articulated by H.E. the President, as Minister of Finance, from economic and social victories into broader, deeper gains for the future.

¶ 02 We are not prepared, as a Government, to consume recent economic gains in a mere consumerist mindset. Rather, we must reinvest them to produce even sharper and more sustainable achievements. This Budget is therefore not merely an annual statement of income and expenditure; it is a decisive junction in shaping our nation’s future.

¶ 03 For a healthy society and disease-free lives, this Budget allocates a large sum — a total of Rs. 543.1 billion, of which Rs. 516.7 billion goes directly to the Ministry of Health. Health is not merely illness and treatment. We seek well-being — physical, mental, social, and economic. Many social determinants — water and sanitation, highways, transport, education, environment — strongly affect health. Though not directly under Health, this Budget allocates significant funds across these and lays out scientific, methodical implementation plans.

¶ 04 The coming year will be one of policy, strategic, and operational reforms in our sector. Our health plans focus on: - Attractive hospitals (health institutions people are comfortable to use) - Satisfied health workers - A healthy Sri Lankan population

¶ 05 People often dislike going to hospitals, police, or government offices unless compelled. We aim to make the hospital system more people-friendly. We began this in the last Budget and now push further: completing long-pending hospital buildings, allocating funds for 66% of planned improvements, essential maintenance, hospital digitization, sustaining and designing data systems — all to deliver visible change.

¶ 06 On medicines: multiple factors caused shortages. In 2024, total pharmaceutical expenditure was about Rs. 39–40 billion. In 2025, we have already spent over Rs. 130 billion and expect to reach about Rs. 160 billion by year-end — far exceeding last year. Some Members quoted June-year statistics to claim low utilization; comparing an April-approved Budget to June spend is unfair because bills are now coming due.

¶ 07 A Member said 300 medicines were out of stock; actually about 600 items are short at present. However, we have provided hospitals with funds to procure from the private sector: Rs. 34 billion has been allocated to decentralized purchases — nearly the entire 2024 national drug budget. On equipment: many high-end machines (MRI, CT) are 20+ years old. We have allocated Rs. 13.6 billion for new equipment and about Rs. 800 million more for commissioning costs, plus funds for specialized repairs. A key gap was the absence of service agreements; we are now dedicating about Rs. 100 million to ensure service contracts so breakdowns are fixed promptly.

¶ 08 On health workers: we increased certain salaries and allowances in the last Budget, more will increase in this Budget, and the remainder in the next. Arrears for overtime and other dues are being settled. No entitlements are being withdrawn; benefits will improve in tandem with economic gains.

¶ 09 In summary, this Budget advances citizens’ right to a dignified life and to essential services. We invite all to join the Government’s constructive journey. Thank you.