The Hon. Eranga Gunasekara - Deputy Minister of Urban Development

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Speaker, regarding the Central Bank’s Annual Economic Review 2025, there is a saying in our villages: “The dead cannot listen to sermons.” Much of the Opposition has become like that—unable to hear the country’s progress. They pick fragments to fit their narrative. I will highlight what the analysis actually shows and what we must do.

¶ 02 In roughly a year and a half in office, we have been called inexperienced. Yet the results in monthly and annual reports show otherwise.

¶ 03 GDP at current prices rose from Rs. 30.1 trillion in 2024 to Rs. 32.5 trillion in 2025. Per capita income rose from USD 4,546 in 2024 to USD 5,003 in 2025—the first time crossing USD 5,000 in our history.

¶ 04 Remittances increased from USD 6.6 billion (2024) to USD 8.1 billion (2025). Government revenue rose from 13.6 percent of GDP (2024) to 16.7 percent (2025). Official reserves increased from USD 6.1 billion (2024) to USD 6.8 billion (2025). The budget deficit fell from 6.8 percent of GDP (2024) to 2.3 percent (2025). The primary surplus improved from 2.2 percent to 5.4 percent.

¶ 05 While some continue to spread falsehoods, these are the facts. We recognize challenges: a global energy crisis not of our making. We are managing the rupee’s depreciation and supporting those below the poverty line.

¶ 06 We continued development programs even after the “Ditva” disaster. The Opposition demanded we change the Budget, but we proceeded, maintaining fiscal discipline and managing disasters effectively.

¶ 07 They alleged 4,000 vehicle LCs were opened before duty changes. Yesterday they said 4,000; today they hedge with “a large number.” They also waited, hoping for fuel and gas queues to return. But people have changed; they remember who bankrupted the country.

¶ 08 We will manage the rupee challenge collectively with the people. The Opposition’s daily allegations do not help. Instead, let us unite with the people and rebuild the country.

¶ 09 Thank you.