The Hon. Champika Hettiarachchi

¶ 01 [5.08 p.m.]

¶ 02 Hon. Presiding Member, I consider it a privilege to speak on the inaugural Budget of the National People’s Power Government—our Government. This Budget fulfills election promises and is the first in history to be structured in line with those commitments; it is therefore historic.

¶ 03 It is a balanced Budget—considering all sectors, all groups, all economic levels, and all regions. It also provides a significant increase to the basic salaries of public servants.

¶ 04 Around the world, economies that collapse take a long time to recover. However, within a very short time, we have strengthened the economy and begun delivering benefits to the people. Inflation and the exchange rate have been brought under control, and the economy stabilized to a notable extent—making this a special Budget.

¶ 05 Before drafting the Budget, the Hon. President personally visited the Jaffna region, engaged the people, and grounded this Budget in the realities on the ground. For years, previous governments presented Budgets that tightened the belts of the poor and cut welfare. In contrast, leadership has been set from the top this time by cutting the votes of the President, Prime Minister, Ministers, and MPs. Even MPs’ vehicle permits and vehicle allowances are suspended this year, underscoring the historic nature of this Budget.

¶ 06 A key feature is the public sector salary increase—from management grades to the lowest tiers—acknowledging that lower grades face longer service and higher living costs. As grades rise, meaningful increases have been provided.

¶ 07 Disaster loans for public servants—used for children’s education or medical procedures—have seen their limits raised due to salary increases. Pensions have also risen. Banks assess loans based on salary; thus, borrowing capacities improve accordingly.

¶ 08 When public sector salaries rise, income flows back into the market and the economy, boosting national production. As factories increase output, the private sector revives, and the economy strengthens. Thus, this salary increase will also energize private industry.

¶ 09 Prior to the Budget, we granted major electricity tariff relief. As production and private-sector profits rise accordingly, private wages can also increase. SMEs, where wages are typically low, will see living standards improve. For example, someone with a basic salary of Rs. 21,000 could see around Rs. 9,000 added; overtime of about Rs. 3,750; and with base salary adjustments, a total increase of roughly Rs. 12,375—benefiting even private sector employees.

¶ 10 The Budget pays special attention to health. In 2019, Mr. Gotabaya Rajapaksa promised a “maternity relief pack” but did not deliver. We have made it a reality: Rs. 7.5 billion allocated to support about 265,000 pregnant mothers—that is what a leader who truly loves the country does.

¶ 11 In education, equitable access has been lacking and reforms stalled since 2019. This Budget addresses that, including Rs. 10,000 million for school infrastructure long neglected.

¶ 12 We have often seen in the media children going to school with torn shoes or sandals. Rs. 2.5 billion has been allocated to provide shoes for school uniforms.

¶ 13 The Opposition claimed during the election that under an NPP Government people would not go to temples, hold peraheras, or attend religious places. This Budget answers that lie: Rs. 1.3 billion is allocated for Daham Pasal (Sunday School) education.

¶ 14 Tourism also receives focus. Many who mortgaged homes, land and vehicles for the tourism industry were ruined. We have considered them. A JICA project to build the airport passenger terminal—previously halted due to a former Minister’s request—has been restarted with funds now allocated, aligning with our strategic plans.

¶ 15 Ticket queues at some tourist sites were excessive; we are reducing this via digitalization and e-tickets.

¶ 16 This Budget aligns with our policies and considers all aspects of the economy. The Opposition is trying to create narratives aimed at the upcoming local elections, using mudslinging to undermine this Budget. But the people understand it. We see at ground level that the people grasp this Budget. Attempts by a few bankrupt unions to agitate society will also fail. Thank you.