The Hon. Gayan Janaka

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees, I am privileged to join the Second Reading debate on the new Government’s maiden Budget. This is a special moment for our country and our people. At a time when, for 76 years, the country was led into economic, social, and political bankruptcy, the corrupt rulers who caused that collapse were brought down, and in their place a people-mandated administration has presented a people-prepared Budget.

¶ 02 We have seen many Budgets before and always criticized them. What makes this Budget different is that, for the first time, the politicians have changed the practice of allocating more for themselves and have instead given concessions to ordinary people. This Budget allows the people to hold optimistic expectations about the future.

¶ 03 For years, promises made on political stages never made it into Budget documents. This time, for the first time, the proposals shaped through years of public engagement are reflected in the Budget. This is the continuation of a program built with people, not just a campaign speech.

¶ 04 Our Government understands the challenges we faced when taking over and those ahead. Despite Opposition criticisms, we have a clear grasp of priorities: how to push the economy, connect education to growth, make citizens stakeholders in the economy, and ensure a fair share flows to them. This program provides relief across all social strata, enabling them to hope again.

¶ 05 The Opposition claims there is nothing in the Budget and that by 2026 we will have nothing to say. We tell them: don’t rush to prejudge us. History has proven your predictions wrong; we are reshaping political understanding and beginning a new chapter. Give us time.

¶ 06 We came to power only about three months ago. Even before the Budget, we provided substantial relief to a nation made bankrupt. We will work steadfastly to make this Budget a reality and to build a prosperous country and dignified lives for our people. Thank you.