Hon. Kanchana Welipitiya

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Speaker, as we debate the 2026 Budget, the Opposition levels various allegations, particularly that funds allocated in 2025 were not spent. But we must recall that the 2025 Budget was presented and passed on 21 March. By then, local government elections had been declared, which prevented ground-level works. Only after 6 May could we start implementation. From 6 May to now is six months; within that, we have allocated funds and commenced processes. Estimates have been prepared and works are starting. We still have two months, during which significant spending will occur.

¶ 02 Many claim we did nothing. Yet Divisional Secretariats are declaring that in 2025 they have spent the highest amounts in history. In the Galigamuwa DS area of Kegalle District, over Rs. 300 million has been spent to repair anicuts and canals.

¶ 03 We have launched programmes to rebuild agricultural infrastructure, similar to fallow paddy recovery, allocating funds for canals and anicuts. State officers say never before were such funds available; they were made in 2025. Our Government is working for the people, though the Opposition does not see it.

¶ 04 The President stated we saved Rs. 1 trillion for the Treasury within one year—none in the Opposition speaks of how this was achieved. While previous rulers looted the Central Bank in 50 days, we strengthened the Treasury by Rs. 1 trillion in a year by stopping corruption and working with order.

¶ 05 Ranil Wickremesinghe once said we could only return to 2019 levels by 2048. But under President Anura’s leadership, by the end of this year we can bring the economy back to 2019 status. Why is no one speaking about that?

¶ 06 They also claim the New Year relief pack was not distributed. True—the Opposition complained to the Election Commission saying not to distribute during election time, so the plan was halted due to their intervention. Therefore, they are responsible.

¶ 07 When the 2025 Budget was presented, they said a Rs. 15,750 wage increase to public servants was impossible. For 26 days, they argued against it. Today they accept it was given. Similarly, they mocked the Rs. 1 million per house plan, saying only a 100 sq. ft. house could be built. In Kegalle, we have already completed 157 houses of 575 sq. ft., using the Rs. 1 million per house plus community contributions. We showed a politics of service and sacrifice, not theft. Public officers and communities contributed—GLAs even brought lunch packs and mixed concrete. These are not “box houses” of the past but livable homes.

¶ 08 On vehicle imports, lies spread that Rs. 12,500 million is to buy 159 vehicles for Government MPs. In fact, the plan is to import 2,700 vehicles: 1,775 for State institutions to improve service delivery, and 225 for MPs. During the campaign, we said there would be no permits, but MPs would be given vehicles to work for five years and return them to the State. That is what is being implemented. Funds are also for equipment to speed up local authorities.

¶ 09 On health, our policy is to have a doctor and a hospital team serving every 5,000–10,000 people. This year’s Budget allocates for that, including the “68 hospitals” initiative to build and upgrade divisional hospitals.

¶ 10 This is a forward-looking Budget with a roadmap and vision. I invite the Opposition to join in building a prosperous country and a beautiful life for the people.

¶ 11 Thank you, Hon. Deputy Speaker.