The Hon. (Prof.) Sena Nanayakkara

¶ 01 Hon. Speaker, I am pleased to have the opportunity to present opening remarks in today’s debate on the Appropriation Bill — the second Budget presented by the National People’s Power Government, established through great effort and a people’s victory.

¶ 02 A Budget is a deep discussion on financial management and planning for the year ahead, conducted by this supreme legislative body, Parliament. Alongside my happiness, I also feel a certain sadness. Observing recent debates, we must ask whether this august Parliament is used for deep deliberation or for trivial heckling and theatrics. The public expect guidance on what they should see and hear; instead, we saw a serious Budget being debated amidst shallow and childish arguments and buffoonery.

¶ 03 We, on both Government and Opposition benches, with expertise, should deliberate more substantively. For instance, during the President’s four-and-a-half-hour Budget speech, a certain Member slept soundly; the Opposition then quipped it was easy to rest because it was an “empty Budget.” Such flippant answers are not what the country needs. I invite my friends in the Opposition to join in a more scholarly discourse.

¶ 04 Everyone knows this Budget is framed under six strategic approaches and aims. I will not detail all six. I will focus on three: ensuring benefits across the populace, developing the productive economy, and eradicating rural poverty. Taken together, the Budget has set excellent goals.

¶ 05 On rural poverty, this lays the groundwork to make our country prosperous, with people living dignified lives. “The village” is the smallest administrative unit; most Sri Lankans live rurally. For this large demographic to prosper, the Budget must invite and include them — which it does well. In many villages, conditions are harsh and distressing.

¶ 06 Take my constituency, Anuradhapura West — in Wilachchiya, Tantirimale, Nochchiyagama, and Alayapattuwa, conditions have been difficult for decades. Meaningful, democratic action began essentially from the last Budget. This Budget reinforces that invitation to the people. To uplift these innocent lives, Government must be their support, and this year’s second Budget by the NPP clearly sets that support.

¶ 07 In Anuradhapura District alone, 307 tanks have been earmarked for rehabilitation across 2024 and 2025, with vast sums allocated. For example, Rs. 91,700 million for irrigation development; strengthening domestic industry and agriculture, job creation, and increasing incomes. In my constituency, many small village tanks are being rehabilitated — I am personally involved in nine tanks such as Thalachchi, Thibbatuyawa, etc. With Rs. 71 million spent on one, over 600 acres can be newly cultivated. We have restarted the Lower Malwathu Oya project to resolve northern drinking water and flood issues. Rs. 6,500 million is allocated to rehabilitate canals and tanks connected to Senanayake Samudraya and others like Gal Oya, Rajanganaya, Huruluwewa, Minneriya, and 65 canals. These are ongoing works. We are focusing on agriculture and industry. The Opposition always sees only faults; we also deserve recognition for good-faith efforts. As in the verse, sandalwood yields fragrance when cut; whatever mud is slung, we will steadfastly make this country prosperous and worthy of a beautiful life. Thank you.