The Hon. (Prof.) A.H.M.H. Abayarathna - Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government

¶ 01 [3.22 p.m.]

¶ 02 Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees, thank you for the opportunity.

¶ 03 A few days ago, when we passed the Local Authorities Elections (Special Provisions) Bill, some in the Opposition asked not to rush into elections, saying they needed to take part in the Budget debate. Yet, looking at the Opposition benches today, I wonder whether their campaigns have already begun. Be that as it may, let me address a few points on the 2025 Budget.

¶ 04 There has been much discussion about yesterday’s unfortunate shooting incident at court. I also wish to note the triple homicide in Mideniya the previous day, which deserves equal attention from the Minister of Public Security. It reminded me of Prof. Liyanage Amarakeerthi’s novel “The Hand that Draws Red Lines.” I will not dwell further on this.

¶ 05 This Budget targets ordinary people. Organized professional groups with trade unions have had their demands addressed, while those without such unions—various social groups—also receive special attention. For example, the Triposha program: allocation was Rs. 1.38 billion in 2023, Rs. 1.78 billion in 2024, and now Rs. 5 billion in 2025, countering claims that such programs would be cut.

¶ 06 Health data showed a decline in annual births by about 50,000, a consequence of economic hardship. Measures like these strengthen household economies. For pregnant mothers—about 265,000—the nutrition pack allocation rose from Rs. 3 billion (2023) to Rs. 5.4 billion (2024) to Rs. 7.5 billion (2025). These provisions target those without trade union voices.

¶ 07 For preschool children’s morning meals: Rs. 308 million (2023), Rs. 958 million (2024), and Rs. 3.2 billion (2025). Education receives special focus across the pipeline to create a knowledge society.

¶ 08 Free textbooks: allocation increases to Rs. 15.5 billion (from Rs. 4.58 billion last year). School uniforms: Rs. 2.5 billion (2023), Rs. 1 billion (2024), and Rs. 6.4 billion (2025)—a 500% increase. Grade 5 scholarships: Rs. 0.95 billion, up 34% year-on-year. Mahapola university scholarships are raised from Rs. 5,000 to Rs. 7,500, with total allocation rising to Rs. 4.6–4.68 billion from Rs. 2.2 billion last year and Rs. 1.58 billion before that—around a 100% increase. Teachers in preschools get a 130% increase in the Guru Abhimani allowance.

¶ 09 Student season tickets are funded at Rs. 11.5 billion—up 47% from last year—to ensure children are not turned away from buses on weekends or otherwise. Many other groups also benefit; I won’t list all.

¶ 10 On Aswesuma: despite selection issues, the allocation to beneficiaries rises to Rs. 232.5 billion—up 91% year-on-year. Parallel to cash support, the Budget links beneficiaries to productive sectors—agriculture, small industries, livestock—transforming them from dependency to participation.

¶ 11 We accept that building future Sri Lanka requires a productive economy. The Budget lays that base. For export crops, support rises to Rs. 1 billion (from Rs. 170–198 million in 2023–2024). The people mandated us during a severe economic and social collapse; this Budget delivers justice to those who sacrificed for change.

¶ 12 Health: Rs. 15 billion (Rs. 1.5 billion) is allocated for foreign treatment units at hospitals such as Chilaw, Ampara, Kegalle, Kandy, and Trincomalee, to improve quality outside Colombo. Rs. 2 billion is set aside for postgraduate training of doctors.

¶ 13 Education capital: Rs. 456 billion for schools and Rs. 135 billion for universities—new faculties, facilities, and construction—reflect the focus on creating an intellectual citizenry.

¶ 14 Infrastructure: Kadawatha–Mirigama (Central Expressway) completion gets Rs. 81.3 billion; Pothuhera–Rambukkana gets Rs. 34 billion. Projects will not be abandoned; we are proceeding systematically.

¶ 15 Support is also provided for export-oriented farmers cultivating tea, cinnamon, rubber, etc. Some in the Opposition said this Budget favours the rich. We won’t destroy entrepreneurs; we will provide opportunities while also creating avenues for those without capital to produce wealth.

¶ 16 Let me conclude with Eastern political theory—Kautilya and the Mandala: there are adversaries (“ari”), their friends, and friends of friends—domestic and international—who raise voices and criticisms to thwart progress. There are also “invaders” and those who “trample from the side.” Beyond such critiques, this is a massive Budget targeting ordinary people, the business community, and the middle class alike. Implementing it will move the country to a better place. Thank you.