The Hon. Lakshman Nipuna Arachchi

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, we debate a crucial ministry that stewards the human resources needed for national development across central, provincial and local institutions. Due to past administrative history—freezing recruitments, removing posts—many essential cadres are lacking: technical officers, works supervisors, technical assistants, accountants, etc. Therefore, this Budget provides for recruiting 50,000 to the public service, as the Minister and statistics indicated this morning, addressing many gaps.

¶ 02 Some alleged the Minister interfered to establish control at certain local bodies, even citing Anamaduwa. But powers are exercised within laws and rules. Even where parties won more seats and large vote totals, distorted electoral mechanisms sometimes prevent forming administrations. Those systemic distortions must be corrected.

¶ 03 On pensioners: the Opposition Leader often says “pushed to extreme destitution”. But the undermining of public servants began under past UNP administrations, especially post-1977. Today, this Government is settling arrears, paying gratuities, and taking measures on human resources. The Opposition should also acknowledge achievements—if 75 out of 100 problems are solved, recognize that, and urge completion of the remaining 25.

¶ 04 Local authorities must be made efficient because development is rooted at the grassroots. Under our program, we empower ground-up development, with a major mandate for this Ministry. We will support the Minister and State Minister through policy advisory committees.

¶ 05 Thank you.