The Hon. Manjula Sugath Rathnayaka

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, our Government’s 2026 Budget is anchored on key aims: stabilizing the macroeconomy; ensuring fiscal discipline; strengthening SOEs; and ensuring accountability to the people.

¶ 02 We know in past regimes unnecessary perks were given to politicians. We have systematically cut such perks and built mechanisms for fairness and equality, increasing public trust that this is a Budget without unnecessary expenses, spending money for the people. By eliminating corruption, waste, and fraud, we have encouraged investors who are now expanding investments—vital for development. Under the NPP Government this trust has been established.

¶ 03 Public servants’ salaries have been increased. As in the last Budget, this time too recruitment to the public service is proposed—75,000 to be recruited—enhancing state machinery and giving opportunities to youth to contribute.

¶ 04 To boost international trade competitiveness, the “National Single Window” is being enhanced, with Rs. 2,500 million allocated—important progress.

¶ 05 Funds are allocated to provide credit facilities to SMEs, encouraging them through this Budget.

¶ 06 Domestic airport operations will be improved and expanded, enabling greater internal tourism, more jobs, and new destinations previously unseen by tourists.

¶ 07 Public facilities at Divisional Secretariats, railway stations, bus stands, and markets will be upgraded—both for convenience and attractiveness.

¶ 08 University students previously had to protest to increase Mahapola and bursaries. We, as a Government that cares for students, have increased Mahapola by Rs. 2,500 to Rs. 10,000, and the bursary to Rs. 9,000—significant relief to those studying with difficulty.

¶ 09 In health, allocations are made across sectors, including Rs. 200 million to establish a 16-storey cardiac unit to reduce long waiting lists.

¶ 10 Women’s empowerment is funded. To reduce human-elephant conflict, 294 vehicles will be provided to the Department of Wildlife Conservation. In areas like Ampara where conflict is high, this is vital. Funds are allocated for electric fences in identified areas, for elephant fodder lands, water resource management, and research—totalling Rs. 1,755 million.

¶ 11 Funds are also allocated to regularize and confirm employees serving on temporary, casual, substitute, and contract bases—an important measure for those underpaid and under pressure for years.

¶ 12 A housing project for artists and media workers is being launched. For the upcountry plantation community, 2,000 houses will be provided.

¶ 13 Your time is up, Hon. Member.

¶ 14 Please give me a few seconds, Hon. Presiding Member.

¶ 15 This Budget is spread across sectors and groups; it is a strong Budget. I hoped to end with a short verse:

¶ 16 “President Anura set forth this Budget anew, For all the people, a super Budget true, A fourfold path of development in view— Even the Opposition stood in awe too.”

¶ 17 Thank you.