The Hon. (Mrs.) Nilusha Lakmali Gamage, Attorney-at-Law

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, I am privileged to speak on our Government’s second Budget for 2026. When we presented the 2025 maiden Budget, the Opposition said, “This is the last budget the NPP Government will present; the Government will last only six months; there are novice Ministers and MPs who cannot work.” The answer has now been given. The 2025 maiden Budget aimed to stabilize the macroeconomy, restore fiscal discipline, address structural inefficiencies and governance failures, and lift a high-risk economy back up. With the leadership of the President, the Cabinet, Government MPs, and the public officials who made great sacrifices and worked hard, within a year we stabilized the macroeconomy, strengthened public finance and SOEs, elevated transparency by tackling corruption, and ensured accountability to the people. Thus, macroeconomic, fiscal, and social stability is being re-established, and the Opposition’s false narratives have been answered. I am proud to be on the Government side.

¶ 02 The 2026 Budget is built around six strategic objectives: sustainable and inclusive growth; higher income through export diversification; ensuring debt sustainability; strengthening a productive economy; eradicating rural poverty; and promoting digitalization. Programs have been designed to cover all segments of society—from infants to the elderly, from the poor to the wealthy, from small entrepreneurs to large industries, across genders and religions—so all can benefit. Achieving over 7 percent growth in coming years is an objective.

¶ 03 We are creating the environment for domestic and foreign investors—by passing new laws and amending existing ones. Reforms to the Strategic Development Projects Act and the Colombo Port City Economic Commission Act have been introduced, and in 2026 we aim to pass the Public-Private Partnership Act and the Investment Protection Act.

¶ 04 Tourism promotion receives special attention, targeting USD 8 billion in earnings by 2030.

¶ 05 This is a people-centered Budget with heightened focus on nutrition and health. About 40 percent of all deaths in Sri Lanka are due to heart-related diseases. Colombo National Hospital’s cardiology unit, though the largest and most advanced, has limited space and facilities, leading to long waiting lists or costly private treatment. As a solution, initial work to establish a 16-storey National Cardiac Unit with expanded facilities and modern equipment has been funded—good news for our hearts.

¶ 06 There is also vital relief for plantation workers. Their daily wage rises by Rs. 200 from companies (Rs. 1,350 to Rs. 1,550) and a further Rs. 200 daily attendance incentive from the Government—adding Rs. 10,000 for 25 working days. This must be appreciated.

¶ 07 Women’s empowerment is prioritized—nutrition, protection, and economic opportunities. Though women are 52 percent of the population, their labour force participation is only about 32 percent. Therefore, at Divisional Secretariat level, provisions are made to uplift women entrepreneurs—supporting self-employment, household industries, new enterprise start-ups, and strengthening existing self-employment. Additional programs for women’s development are also funded.

¶ 08 When we visit villages, our elders—those over 60—say they don’t want charity; they want support to live without burdening others. This Budget includes provisions to make our seniors active partners in society. We appreciate this.

¶ 09 Our leading source of foreign exchange is remittances from Sri Lankans abroad. We must value their contribution. A concessional housing loan scheme and a pension scheme for migrant workers have been introduced—standout proposals.

¶ 10 Many development proposals are being implemented already. As an MP for Ratnapura, I invite our gem traders: many in Ratnapura earn over Rs. 10 million per day. We believe gems come with fortune, but history shows gem tycoons who became billionaires have also become poor. If they had invested productively, such fates could have been avoided. Some already reinvest, but many still do not. I invite the gem business community to invest in Sri Lanka—strengthening yourselves and contributing to national growth.

¶ 11 Your allotted time is over, Hon. Member.

¶ 12 Please grant me one more minute, Hon. Presiding Member.

¶ 13 Many still have not turned to investment. So I appeal again: invest your money in this country. You will grow, and so will the economy. With that invitation, I conclude. Thank you for the time.