The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake

¶ 01 Hon. Speaker, amidst severe challenges, the present Government led by Hon. Prime Minister and with His Excellency Anura Kumara Dissanayake as President and Minister of Finance, has brought to a close the 2025 Budget debate. I thank His Excellency the President, serving as Minister of Finance, and the two State Ministers of Finance for their efforts to steer the economy and mobilize the people for the country’s recovery. I also, as Leader of the House, thank His Excellency the President for personally coming to Parliament and actively participating in the debate.

¶ 02 Over 27 days, Hon. Nalin Jayatissa, the Chief Government Whip, participated very actively, and all Ministers and State Ministers continuously contributed with various views. I extend my special thanks to them. I also thank the Hon. Leader of the Opposition, the Chief Opposition Whip, and all Members on both Government and Opposition sides for their cooperation in making this debate orderly and rational.

¶ 03 Hon. Speaker, you performed a special duty—conducting Parliament effectively amidst arguments from both sides. I thank you, the Hon. Deputy Speaker, the Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees, the Panel of Chair, and all Members who, even when not on the Panel, presided from the Chair.

¶ 04 I thank the Secretary-General of Parliament, all Departmental Heads and Sectional Heads, and the entire staff for their support. As Leader of the House, I also thank the Secretary to the Leader of the House and the entire staff of that office for their great assistance, the Secretary to the Chief Government Whip and staff for organizing Government business, and the Secretary to the Leader of the Opposition and staff for their cooperation.

¶ 05 I express thanks to the Secretary to the Ministry of Finance and all officials, and all other officials from various Departments and institutions who assisted this major task. Many institutions supported us—even if unseen in this forum—such as the Parliamentary Police, the Parliamentary Medical Center, and those you mentioned, Hon. Speaker. Time is short, so I will not repeat all of it. The 27-day marathon has concluded thanks to the immense efforts of officials inside and outside Parliament. I respectfully thank all of them, including the institutions involved and all sign language interpreters.

¶ 06 During debates we sometimes spoke cordially, and at times words may have caused discomfort. If anyone felt hurt, I express my regret. Finally, with the Sinhala and Tamil New Year approaching in a few days, I wish all of you and all our people a prosperous New Year. Iniya Puthandu Valthukkal! Happy New Year to everyone! Thank you.