The Hon. Ruwan Wijeweera

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Speaker, I am pleased to join the debate on the 2026 Citizen’s Budget that lays the foundation and environment to regain our national pride and prosperity.

¶ 02 The Opposition repeats the same arguments as during the 2025 Budget: that we cannot manage the macroeconomy or achieve Budget targets. But end-2025 data show otherwise. State revenue has exceeded projections for the first time in many years. Compared to the first nine months of 2024, the Budget deficit has been reduced by about 50%. Foreign inflows from exports, remittances, and tourism have stabilized reserves.

¶ 03 Local and international recognition confirms macro stabilization. Colombo Telegraph noted major investments in digital infrastructure, healthcare, and education that lay the groundwork for a knowledge economy, alongside packages for housing, rural roads, and public servants, linking fiscal discipline with anti-corruption and digital governance to build equitable prosperity. The World Bank also states Sri Lanka has largely stabilized its economy and now must get better results from every rupee, as per David Sislen.

¶ 04 The Opposition alleges we came to power on the backs of “hungry people” and now ignore them. We reject such divisive framing. We don’t sustain poverty for politics. We are enabling fair access and opportunity. For example, from next year we will commence the target of building 70,000 houses, with 10,000 next year. I visited a project in Buttala started under the previous Government: of 52 houses, at least 28 were half-built with only one room, and 28 houses were abandoned; even roof tiles were supplied by a party organizer, with shortfalls in quantities despite payments. In contrast, our low-cost housing approach—mobilizing communities—has already completed around 30 houses in our district, with the rest to be finished before year-end. We are not maintaining poverty; we’re delivering tangible outcomes fairly.

¶ 05 On human-elephant conflict, Monaragala and many districts suffer. In Vandama Demaliya Sanctuary, large areas were illicitly occupied with electric fences, displacing elephants and farmers. We are insisting on proper environmental assessments, elephant corridors, and management plans. The Budget allocates around Rs. 1,800–2,000 million for research, experimentation, and fence management toward a holistic solution.

¶ 06 Monaragala is the second largest district by area but remains very poor. To nurture a cultural citizenry, Rs. 200 million has been allocated for cultural and recreation facilities, including municipal halls in Monaragala and Ampara.

¶ 07 Finally, I recall the President’s words that though enemies may shout, we will keep our eyes on the determined hopes of the people. Whatever the Opposition says, we will proceed with confidence to make this a prosperous nation. Thank you.