The Hon. Speaker

¶ 01 Bill, as amended, accordingly read the Third time, and passed.

¶ 02 Honourable Members, as we take another important step forward in laying the foundation for a collective national effort to fulfill the aspirations of our people, and in order to discharge the responsibilities entrusted to the Legislature regarding state finances, we have now reached the moment of concluding—successfully—the business relating to the 2025 Appropriation Bill after a debate spanning 26 days.

¶ 03 At the Second Reading of the Budget for 2025, presented to this august House on the morning of 17.02.2025 by His Excellency the President in his capacity as Minister of Finance, I first wish to express my gratitude to His Excellency for setting an example by participating in the debate with great dedication and effectiveness despite a very demanding schedule. I also extend my special thanks to the two State Ministers of Finance for their committed, attentive, and active contribution to the successful discharge of these important responsibilities.

¶ 04 Sri Lanka, in 2022, faced the deepest and most complex socio-economic and political crisis since Independence. Even amidst those challenges, we are proceeding with the expectation of achieving an economic democratization following political change. In this context, I noted the exemplary cooperation from both the Government and the Opposition during the Budget debate—recognizing the responsibilities entrusted to the Legislature regarding public finance, and presenting constructive ideas and practical proposals.

¶ 05 I recall with pride certain landmark moments during the Second Reading and Committee Stage of the Appropriation Bill. On 08.03.2025, International Women’s Day, during the debate on the expenditure head of the Ministry of Women and Child Affairs, this House reflected justice and dignity, symbolically adorned in purple. At another time, representatives who are the true voices of the plantation community—long deprived of proper representation in any powerful social or political organization—and of persons with disabilities, raised matters in this House passionately on behalf of their esteemed communities.

¶ 06 Likewise, I observed with attention how teachers, those engaged in the agricultural sector, traders, sports personalities, artists, lawyers, administrators, managers, medical professionals, academics, and economists—all of you representing every stratum of the country—expressed your views in this Chamber.

¶ 07 During this busy period, participating in Parliamentary Committees, receiving diplomatic missions, and actively engaging throughout the debates, the Hon. Prime Minister, Hon. Ministers and State Ministers, and all Members who represent this Supreme Assembly acted in an exemplary manner. It is essential to convey the appreciation and thanks of Parliament to all of them.

¶ 08 I also convey my heartfelt gratitude to the Hon. Leader of the House, the Hon. Chief Government Whip, the Hon. Leader of the Opposition, and the Hon. Chief Opposition Whip, who, throughout this long debate, remained in the Chamber for extended periods, provided leadership at all times, and extended active and exemplary cooperation.

¶ 09 I further extend my thanks to the Hon. Deputy Speaker, the Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees, all Members of the Panel of Chair, and all other Members who presided over the sittings, who continuously supported me from the Chair to conduct proceedings orderly and systematically during this long and exacting period. Throughout the debate, the Secretary-General of Parliament, the Deputy Secretary-General, the Assistant Secretary-General, and all Heads of Departments and staff of Parliament worked with great diligence and unwavering dedication to ensure that the entire process was carried out systematically and efficiently in accordance with the Constitution, Standing Orders, and parliamentary practices and traditions; I express my appreciation and thanks to them.

¶ 10 I also highly value the continuous support extended to me on legal and constitutional matters during this important legislative process by the Hon. Attorney-General, the Legal Draftsman, and all officers of those Departments. I take this opportunity as well to thank the Secretaries and officials of the offices of the Hon. Leader of the House, the Hon. Chief Government Whip, and the Hon. Leader of the Opposition. I also express my thanks to the Secretary to the President, the Secretary to the Prime Minister, and, particularly, to the Secretaries and officials—foremost among them, those of the Ministry of Finance and other Ministries—and to the heads and officials of various Government institutions who contributed in many ways to the success of this process. I thank the Secretaries and officials of the offices coordinating parliamentary affairs for His Excellency the President and the Hon. Prime Minister, as well as my own Private and Coordination Secretaries and staff.

¶ 11 In particular, I recognize the strong dedication of all members of the parliamentary staff and affiliated service units who, throughout this period, worked beyond normal office hours. As in previous years, I greatly appreciate the unstinted support rendered by the Government Printer and the staff of the Government Printing Department in this challenging task.

¶ 12 I also extend my thanks to the Parliamentary Police, the Post Office, the People’s Bank Parliamentary Branch, the Parliamentary Medical Center, the Ceylon Electricity Board, the National Water Supply and Drainage Board, the Fire Service Department, and all other associated and external institutions including the Sri Lanka Transport Board. I further thank the Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte Municipal Council and all security agencies—especially the Police Special Task Force, the Diyawanna Navy detachment, the Army and Air Force detachments, and officers of Police Stations in surrounding areas—who continuously ensured the security of the Parliamentary complex.

¶ 13 Moreover, I value the service of all media institutions—print, electronic, and social—whose editors and journalists responsibly communicated the proceedings of the Budget debate to the public in a correct and impartial manner. I also appreciate the service of all sign language interpreters who provided resources to include a simultaneous sign language window during live telecasts of our proceedings.

¶ 14 Finally, to any individual whom I cannot name here, and to whom I cannot extend personal thanks, but who deserves praise and gratitude, I offer my sincere thanks for your contributions and cooperation in successfully completing this important task.

¶ 15 Therefore, Hon. Members, I sincerely hope that you will, without distinction between Government and Opposition, continue to exercise your oversight responsibilities as People’s Representatives to ensure that the provisions allocated by this Appropriation Act are implemented in a manner that fulfills, to the greatest extent, the aspirations of the people.

¶ 16 From the outset of this Tenth Parliament to this point, it is evident to me that, more than at other times, we must now act with unity and consensus. Rather than seeking individual prominence, we must focus on how, in an increasingly competitive international environment, we can stand together as a unitary state.

¶ 17 Therefore, Hon. Members of Parliament who represent this Supreme Institution, let us journey forward collectively. The difficult road ahead will surely lead you to a truly worthy destination.

¶ 18 Thank you all.