The Hon. Sanjeewa Ranasingha

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, under our policy “A Prosperous Country — A Beautiful Life”, we present our second landmark Budget, covering State Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government, and the Ministry of Labour. For years, “development” was a distant dream marred by corruption and inefficiency. Now, development tangibly reaches people: rural roads rebuilt; long-neglected rivers cleared; housing projects progressing; and public officials executing mid-year initiatives to completion.

¶ 02 In Matugama DS coordination, we track progress precisely: seven projects via decentralized funds worth Rs. 8.5 million—100% complete; 21 Provincial Development projects—100% complete, Rs. 33.5 million; seven model projects—100% complete, Rs. 3.5 million; four line-ministry rural road projects—one completed, three to finish before year-end; overall progress 81.2%. Despite Opposition claims that funds exist but work stalls, our results prove otherwise. We appreciate the dedication of public officials.

¶ 03 Some accuse us of misusing Community Policing Committees; we have video evidence contradicting them, but time is short. Those who once made mass irregular appointments and pressured officials now preach about justice.

¶ 04 For the first time, we have ushered in a period where estate workers live with dignity through wage increases—despite court challenges and attacks on sugar estates by critics. We also plan to recruit about 76,000 to the public service via competitive exams to fill acute staff shortages cited by institutions. Local authorities are working actively; Government is providing new equipment and plans to help them fulfil their mandates.

¶ 05 Thank you.