The Hon. Rohitha Abeygunawardhana

¶ 01 Mr. Chairman, today we begin the Committee Stage Debate on the 2025 Budget, including the President’s Head and several others. I wish to state frankly that President Anura Kumara Dissanayake is a capable President. As leader of the JVP, once with only three percent support, he has brought that movement to form a Government and present the 2025 Budget.

¶ 02 The key is how these promises will be fulfilled. If fulfilled as people expect, both the President and the Government will receive public approval; if not, they will receive public disapproval.

¶ 03 In summary, for 2025 we expect revenue of Rs. 4,990 billion and expenditure of Rs. 7,190 billion – a deficit of Rs. 2,200 billion. Will the expected Rs. 4,990 billion be realized by 31 December 2025? Only if State institutions actually deliver will expenditure be possible and public approval gained; otherwise, disapproval will come.

¶ 04 There is a major challenge to the President, Cabinet and Government: fulfilling promises and finding the funds. About 60 percent of revenue is expected from Inland Revenue, Excise, and Customs. If those institutions do not deliver, what happens?

¶ 05 The Minister earlier spoke on expenditure cuts. I expected him also to address the 300 bar permits issued by the previous Government. Who approved them? Was it an MP, Minister, Secretary, businessman? Where is the list? If Excise revenue falls below target, will the Government tell people to drink more? If revenue is insufficient, the Government faces a challenge.

¶ 06 Consider promises made before the Budget. They said they would remove taxes on fuel, reducing diesel by Rs. 165 per litre and petrol by Rs. 165. Has that been done? They said they would reduce electricity bills by one-third; instead they now say tariffs may rise due to low rainfall. They promised Rs. 10,000 – and if insufficient, Rs. 15,000 – to Samurdhi families. That is not in the Budget nor implemented. Youth were promised Rs. 10 million collateral-free loans to start businesses; where is that facility in state banks? People are waiting.

¶ 07 This Government won 159 seats – more than two-thirds. Some Deputy Ministers say, “We will not hand over power for 20 years,” or “We did not take power to give it back,” or “We will not let this Government be toppled.” Such statements suggest inherited entitlement. Power is not a family deed; history shows such boasts are foolish. Do not forget 1970–77: despite building a domestic economy, people’s stomachs were empty and the Government was swept away in 1977. If people face hardship during Ramadan and Sinhala New Year – with rice at over Rs. 300 and scarce – they will react.

¶ 08 Do not mislead the public about MPs’ benefits. Protect MPs; many lack adequate security, and most threats come from within their own parties. When Ministers visit, people now ask: “Was the Rs. 165 cut delivered?” Please be mindful.

¶ 09 We, as Opposition, wish for a positive, forward-looking Budget. We do not seek the Government’s downfall for our joy. But if promises are not kept and people’s stomachs are empty, global trends show people will protest. Therefore, we urge the President and Government to adopt sound measures and fulfill promises. Thank you.