The Hon. (Mrs.) Nilanthi Kottahachchi, Attorney-at-Law

¶ 01 Madam Deputy Chairperson of Committees, this is our Government’s second Budget—an annual work program grounded in our economic policy to uplift living standards.

¶ 02 Experts have offered analytical, theory-based, constructive observations. Even Opposition figures acknowledged that the macroeconomy has been stabilized and said they will call good, good. While some engage in politics, we have taken sensitive, people-focused, and even revolutionary decisions.

¶ 03 Take estate workers—people who toiled in tea fields for decades. Their daily wage increase involved a bold decision, including a Government contribution from public funds. Those without the conscience to accept support for an underprivileged community should reflect. When the Government acts to yield a qualitative change in the lives of a marginalized group, it should be supported.

¶ 04 Macroeconomic objectives comprise: stability, freedom, security, fair income distribution, sustainable development, efficiency, and accelerated growth. We laid out our one-year plan through six pillars: inclusive, sustainable growth—aiming to make Sri Lanka not just a tourist destination but the best one, with allocations for that; higher income via export diversification; debt sustainability at a time when many said “we cannot pay”; strengthening the productive economy; eradicating rural poverty; and promoting digitization—to make our policy manifesto a reality.

¶ 05 I also recall that the Mahapola scholarship once was Rs. 225—Rs. 200 sent home and Rs. 25 kept by the student to stretch through the month. Today, with Rs. 10,000, students can manage monthly expenses and even support siblings with books. As a former Mahapola recipient, I know how transformative this is.

¶ 06 Leadership thinking shapes national thinking. A leader who cares even for animals signals humane governance. We propose Rs. 100 million for street dog welfare—ending the inhumane practices once decided from A/C rooms—finding humane, effective solutions to a public issue. Comparing allocations for street dogs to headmasters’ welfare is a narrow critique; these are different domains in a comprehensive plan for a disciplined, clean, dignified, well-planned country—not growth alone.

¶ 07 We are also building strong legal frameworks to welcome investors: the Public-Private Partnership Bill is out for public consultation; the Investment Protection Bill is being advanced. We invite all, Government and Opposition, and the people, to unite—no colors, no divisions—to build a prosperous country and better lives.

¶ 08 Thank you.