The Hon. (Dr.) Hiniduma Sunil Senevi - Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs

¶ 01 Hon. Chairman, today we debate the Budget Head of the Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs under the 2025 Citizens’ Budget presented by the new Government. I am pleased to commence this important, pivotal debate on behalf of the Government.

¶ 02 The Opposition Member who moved the cut motion chose to speak on the environment. I expected at least a word on cultural and religious life, but that did not happen. In any case, let us observe the empty Opposition benches on the very day we discuss this Vote Head. Our media normalized ignoring culture, and even professional advocacy for victims of abuse has been reduced to mere slogans—these are byproducts of that neglect. The Leader of the House has had to remind Members of Standing Orders and decorum because of this powerful disregard.

¶ 03 Who creates Standing Orders? Education, arts, culture and religious life do. That is why our Ministry exists: to inscribe stable norms in the hearts of citizens. This Citizens’ Budget places a serious emphasis on that. Let me quickly outline key points.

¶ 04 Arts and culture are the fields I have studied and trained in—fields long neglected in Sri Lanka, with subtle yet profound impacts. Because of this neglect, we now see extreme, often invisible forms of social violence on our streets. The National Peoples’ Power (NPP) Government recognizes that religious and cultural spheres require major investment. “A Prosperous Country – A Beautiful Life” depends on this commitment.

¶ 05 Our Ministry’s expenditure is structured under two main themes: Religious Affairs and Culture & National Heritage. Religious Affairs covers the four major religions—Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam and Christianity. The total allocation is Rs. 13,725 million, an increase of Rs. 3.5 billion over last year, to drive progress in arts, culture and religious life.

¶ 06 Of this, Domestic funding is Rs. 12,684 million; Foreign funding is Rs. 1,041 million. Allocations, in summary: - Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs: Rs. 4,175 million - Department of Buddhist Affairs: Rs. 1,970 million - Department of Muslim Religious and Cultural Affairs: Rs. 210 million - Department of Christian Religious Affairs: Rs. 270 million - Department of Hindu Religious and Cultural Affairs: Rs. 300 million - Department of the Waqf Board and Trustees: Rs. 135 million - Department of Cultural Affairs: Rs. 1,600 million - Department of Archaeology: Rs. 2,520 million - Department of National Museums: Rs. 780 million - Department of National Archives: Rs. 1,765 million

¶ 07 In Religious Affairs, we support projects across all four religions: dhamma school competitions, printing of texts, and facilities including uniforms for teachers. We are in the month of Ramadan and extend our blessings, noting our support—e.g., the National Thai Pongal festival in Jaffna and the national Maha Shivaratri festival in Ratnapura. The St. Anthony’s Festival in Kachchativu drew many pilgrims, including from India. We are developing places of worship across all faiths, including solar panel projects for religious sites. After 16 years, our Government is preparing for the public exposition of the Sacred Tooth Relic, with significant investment.

¶ 08 On culture and national heritage: institutions include the Department of Archaeology, Central Cultural Fund, National Museums, National Archives, National Film Corporation, National Library, and the Tower Hall Theatre Foundation. Cultural outcomes are intangible and long-term—yet essential. For instance, the discovery of the Fahiengala Human remains (c. 10,600 years) involved our universities and the National Museum and has priceless research value, including viable DNA and multiple potential PhDs.

¶ 09 Therefore, we are significantly investing in research and development in these fields. Economy and culture are like heart and mind—inseparable halves of a single body. Our Government funds both.

¶ 10 Yesterday, together with the State Minister of Finance, Dr. Anil Jayanta Perananthu, we attended the premiere of Parakrama Niriella’s film “Sihinayaki Depa Nathi,” based on “The Blind Man and the Lame Man.” It depicts a difficult journey to a goal—just as our Government proceeds by uniting both halves: economy and culture.

¶ 11 We also propose Sri Lanka Day, with Rs. 300 million under Budget Proposal No. 33, to build a Sri Lankan identity beyond ethnic, caste, regional or educational divides.

¶ 12 For the forthcoming National Vesak Festival in Nuwara Eliya, we allocate Rs. 12 million (previously Rs. 10 million). The theme is “Bhajetha Minne Kalyane”—“Associate with noble friends.” We will celebrate with the participation of the Malaiyaga community and local temples and pirivenas.

¶ 13 For the Catholic community, we have allocations for multiple programmes, including YouTube channels, drama and hymnography. With April 21 approaching, we must embrace those who suffered—the Catholic and Muslim communities—advancing love and reconciliation. We should finally establish a genuine Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Like Nelson Mandela’s “Rainbow Nation,” we need authentic reconciliation beyond political cosmetics; hence the Sri Lanka Day allocation of Rs. 300 million. As Mandela said, “Reconciliation starts here” and “forgiveness starts here, too.”

¶ 14 Hon. Chairman, I conclude by noting that this Ministry’s increased allocation is to help revive a broken Sri Lanka. My colleagues will further elaborate.

¶ 15 Thank you for the time.