The Hon. (Mrs.) Samanmali Gunasingha

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, thank you for the opportunity. This second Budget of the new Government is anchored in the policy statement “Prosperous Country – Beautiful Life.” Alongside the Budget, Members were given about ten analytical volumes with data and charts. Those who merely wave old books and speak do the House no service. Study these documents and speak with contemporary relevance.

¶ 02 There is a problem: those who, without knowing the truth, call something false are ignorant; those who know the truth yet call it false are worse — as Galileo showed — they are beyond ignorant; they are culpable. For example, some said nothing was allocated to fisheries. The 2026 Budget allocates Rs. 135.5 billion to Agriculture (Rs. 70.7 billion recurrent; Rs. 64.8 billion capital). For Fisheries, allocations total Rs. 10.68 billion (about Rs. 4.1 billion recurrent; Rs. 6.58 billion capital). Those who know these facts yet say otherwise fall into that second category.

¶ 03 On taxes: for four days our Government Members clearly stated no new taxes were introduced this year. Do not mislead the public.

¶ 04 We now have 7% economic growth projected; official reserves exceed USD 6 billion; exports in the first nine months of 2025 rose from USD 8.5 billion to USD 9.1 billion compared to 2024; worker remittances grew from USD 4.8 billion (first nine months 2024) to USD 5.8 billion (first nine months 2025); tourism earnings rose from USD 2.3 to 2.5 billion; Government revenue rose from Rs. 2.9 trillion to Rs. 3.8 trillion in the first nine months year-on-year. The primary balance improved from Rs. 0.8 trillion to Rs. 1.5 trillion. These gains stem from anti-corruption actions, administrative efficiency, proper recruitment and restoring confidence in the public service.

¶ 05 Employment: we have moved to recruit around 75,000 into the public sector where needed, while paying due pensions that were delayed since 2016, and strengthening services. Unemployment fell from 4.5% (Q1 2024) to 3.8% (Q1 2025); labour force participation rose from 47.1% to 49.7%.

¶ 06 On plantation workers: Government decided on a Rs. 400 wage increase — companies to give Rs. 200 and Government Rs. 200. Those who say public funds cannot be used should remember: these citizens have paid taxes for generations and sent dollars home; they are Sri Lankans and have rights. We also grant fertilizer subsidies, fisher support, and kerosene support. Last year we increased allowances to private-sector preschool teachers by Rs. 1,000 — to enhance their dignity and productivity.

¶ 07 Therefore, opposing the modest wage increase for the plantation community is shameful. Stabilizing the economy and presenting a people’s Budget so its benefits reach the people — that is what we have done. May the 2026 Budget be realized. I resume my seat. Thank you.