The Hon. Ruwanthilaka Jayakody

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Speaker, after a successful first year of governance, I extend my thanks to the Hon. President and the Ministry of Finance for presenting our Government’s second consecutive successful Budget. A key feature is that it demonstrates—with data—that our Government has stabilized an economy that had been dragged to the ground and virtually wiped out, and has revived it within a short period. The President, in a 4-hour-20-minute Budget Speech, clearly outlined how we will steer the economy, advance development, build stability, and meet our 2028 debt obligations.

¶ 02 Yet the Opposition latched onto two issues and spoke at length almost solely about them: vehicle permits and the Rs. 10 million decentralized budget allocations.

¶ 03 On vehicle permits, the Opposition demanded that permits be given, arguing it was more beneficial than giving vehicles. The truth is, when permits are given, Opposition Members sell them for large sums, misusing taxpayers’ money. We came into office promising a new political culture, cutting privileges—especially of Presidents—and we clearly said: no vehicle permits for MPs. We stand by that, because public funds must be spent transparently and fairly. MPs do need vehicles; we will provide vehicles with full insurance. The vehicle will be used by the MP for five years and then returned to the State. If the Opposition still wants permits, they are free to propose swapping: take their permits and we will hand them cabs given to Government MPs. But we will not issue permits. Vehicles will be provided for five years and then returned. Government MPs will use them appropriately and return them.

¶ 04 On the Rs. 10 million decentralized allocations, the Opposition clamoured for quick release. Historically, such funds were abused—diverted to favourites, with goods piled up in Divisional Secretariats to be distributed to allies. We are implementing a fair, rules-based system. Last year, district funds were allocated through consultations and used properly. For example, in Gampaha District, about 85% has already been spent; by mid-December we expect substantial utilization with real benefits to the people.

¶ 05 A former State Minister, Mr. Chamara Sampath, said to the media as the President ended his speech that “nothing will happen.” When I asked him later, he repeated it. That reflects his experience in governments run on personal agendas. We operate as a team, executing development programmes that the people expect. The people understand this; the Opposition need not panic. One MP tried to claim the anti-drug operations were mere theatrics and alleged links to parties. The President’s “Nation as One Against Narcotics” campaign is clear: the network is extensive, spanning officials and sectors; enforcement is non-partisan. Whoever is involved will be arrested. We uphold the law without fear or favour.

¶ 06 Another issue raised emotionally was Anuradhapura’s problems, especially onions. That is a long-standing, politically entangled market mafia. We are coordinating with officials, compiling data, and acting with a plan to resolve it.