The Hon. Ajith Agalakada

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Speaker, I recall how, in our childhood, our parents listened eagerly to the Budget on the radio—there were no TVs then—and prices changed only once a year, and by cents. Today, prices change the day before, the day of, and the day after the Budget. In this context, we now present the NPP Government’s Appropriation Bill. A Budget is the instrument by which the ruling party charts the nation’s path and signals to the world our country’s place and our people’s standing.

¶ 02 Opposition MPs and those outside Parliament have voiced various views—some say this is Ranil Wickremesinghe’s third Budget; some try to brand it as neo‑liberal. Is this Budget different from what we said on the campaign stage? What did we say? First, we would build a productive economy. Second, everyone able to work would be connected to that productive economy. Children must study; the elderly must rest; the differently abled are not required to work. But all others who can work will be given a place in the productive economy. Third, the vast wealth generated will be distributed fairly. So, are these three principles reflected here?

¶ 03 First, on building a productive economy: We have allocated Rs. 78,000 million as capital for road infrastructure. Without organizing and modernizing roads, we cannot hope for advancement in agri‑industry. For dairy development, we allocate Rs. 2,500 million. We need not keep talking about India’s Amul; Sri Lanka too can rise in dairy.

¶ 04 On innovation, in 2020 there were 273 patent applications; only 49 were domestic—the rest were non‑resident. Therefore, we allocate Rs. 1,000 million for innovation entrepreneurship development. We are moving toward a productive economy.

¶ 05 On the pressing coconut issue, when we assumed office this problem surfaced. Under the Northern Coconut Triangle, we allocate Rs. 500 million to complete 16,000 acres of coconut cultivation. For youth agri‑entrepreneurship, we allocate Rs. 500 million to attract youth into smart agriculture.

¶ 06 On digitalization: to advance industry, agro‑industry and services, we must embrace new technology and integrate systems. We are already late compared to other countries. We allocate Rs. 3,000 million for digitalization.

¶ 07 Though not in the Budget lines I read out, let me note: our refinery technology is outdated; previously we imported finished products. We are working with China to build a new refinery under a $3.7 billion investment model. Thus, we have not deviated from the productive‑economy concept we promised.

¶ 08 We also said we would connect our working‑age people to this economy. Accordingly, we plan to create 30,000 jobs. The previous Hon. Member calculated annual salaries, but by the time the Budget is passed it is end‑March; by interviews and recruitment it will be end‑June—hence only six months’ salaries are needed this year. Please learn to do the math correctly.

¶ 09 We plan 10,000 agri‑entrepreneurs, drawing youth into agriculture. For dairy, we plan to enable 7,500 farmers—4,000 producing 20 liters a day and 3,500 producing 40 liters a day.

¶ 10 We will also create 15,000 micro, small, medium and large‑scale entrepreneurs to develop the economy—thus connecting the people to the economy.

¶ 11 On fair distribution of the generated wealth: Rs. 325 billion goes to salary increases. Rs. 5,000 million to the nutrition of mothers and children through the Thriposha program. Rs. 7,500 million as monthly nutrition support to pregnant mothers. Rs. 200 million for treatment of children with autism and neurological disorders. In other words, the wealth returns to the people in various benefits. We allocate Rs. 749 billion for social protection.

¶ 12 For the first time, we allocate Rs. 7,583 million to uplift the living standards of the “Malaiyagam” people. Thus, we are building a productive economy, connecting all who can work, and distributing the gains fairly—exactly what we promised.

¶ 13 Our question is not whether we get the money; around Rs. 1,400 billion has been allocated as capital. The challenge for us 159 MPs is how to disburse Rs. 1,400 billion across this land within the nine months left. With District Secretaries and Divisional Secretaries, we will face that challenge alongside the President. We believe we will succeed.

¶ 14 Hon. Member, your time is up.

¶ 15 I will conclude, Hon. Deputy Speaker.

¶ 16 A movement that once had only 3 percent of the vote and three MPs shattered all your fortresses and drew the world’s attention to Sri Lanka, and won power. Likewise, with this Appropriation Bill, we will not turn back until every step takes all our people toward “a prosperous nation – a beautiful life.” Thank you for the time, Hon. Deputy Speaker.