The Hon. (Ms.) Lakmali Hemachandra, Attorney-at-Law

¶ 01 Hon. Chairman, today we debate the Vote of the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development at Committee Stage, on the final day of the Budget debate.

¶ 02 We are a new government, and many Ministers and MPs here are newly elected. We are open to frank, constructive discussion to improve where needed. The Budget debate is an opportunity the Opposition sought to examine government expenditure and revenue and to table proposals. Regrettably, the Opposition failed in that duty—preferring morning media stunts to focused contribution in this Chamber, and often being absent when these Heads were discussed. We would prefer a serious Opposition; it would help us govern better.

¶ 03 A core matter is capital expenditure. Government is the largest investor in Sri Lanka’s economy. Development and modernization require strengthening and increasing public investment. In recent years, policy shrank government investment and paralyzed state functions. That is not merely “spending cuts”; it hollows capacity. Today there is much talk about the public service and especially the Police. It is obvious how political leaders and governments have broken the public service.

¶ 04 This is not only about budgets but also about the politicization of the service. The Opposition Leader repeatedly demanded jobs for unemployed graduates. Yes, employment and solutions to unemployment are necessary; but we must also rationalize the public service. It is not a mere job placement agency. For too long, rulers viewed it as patronage—expanding headcounts to secure votes and reward loyalists—degrading quality, service delivery, and economic performance. Without an efficient public service, there is no development.

¶ 05 We are tasked to restore efficiency and standards. We are not denigrating the public service. Recruitment was frozen in recent years; that too harmed capacity. In this Budget, we have reversed that, sensibly filling vacancies based on proper analysis and scientific needs. The public service exists to serve the people and development—not to dispense political favours.

¶ 06 Our vision is clear in this Budget: we protect the public service; we do not slash it. We have increased salaries and restored dignity. We have depoliticized the service; politicians do not interfere with officials’ decisions or transfers. In the past, whenever governments changed, officers were harassed and victimized. We have not done that; instead, we have reaffirmed their honour. At the same time, the government exists to develop the country and improve lives. To ensure public investment reaches people, we must make the service efficient, standardized, high-quality and people-centric.

¶ 07 Thank you for the time.