The Hon. Harshana Rajakaruna

¶ 01 Thank you for the opportunity, Hon. Deputy Speaker.

¶ 02 On Day 2 of the 2026 Budget debate, I note that President Anura Kumara Dissanayake presented the statement for nearly four and a half hours, much of which emphasized that he stabilized the economy. However, he became President after stabilization had already been achieved. President Ranil Wickremesinghe led during the crisis, and though we were in Opposition, we must acknowledge his role. This Government took office after fuel queues, power cuts, and shortages had subsided by 2024. Now your task is to carry that stability forward.

¶ 03 Your first Budget (February this year) raised high expectations, but after a year, only about 20% of proposals have been implemented; 80% remain rhetoric—“all talk.” Elections cannot be an excuse for non-delivery; next year’s provincial polls must not be blamed for inaction.

¶ 04 Public trust in this Budget is low. Today’s Mawbima front page records unions’ views: school principals’ union says “Rs. 100 million for dogs; Rs. 144 million for principals—this shows how we are valued.” Farmers’ organizations say no proper steps to uplift agriculture. The Teachers’ Union says you promised 6% for education and delivered a dot. GMOA says what you said in Opposition has changed in Government. One good note: estate workers welcome wage increases. But last year you said and did not; now there is doubt you will deliver.

¶ 05 Farmers are in distress. Those who once championed them now measure onion diameters instead of granting relief. Promises made during the presidential election—reducing tax burdens and renegotiating IMF conditions—have not been kept. You now say only that taxes will not be increased beyond this, while some are indeed being raised. It appears the IMF’s template drives this Budget.

¶ 06 You also said you would employ all unemployed graduates in the first Budget. Now, little is said; only vague numbers for future jobs. You promised to cut petrol and diesel prices “with one stroke of the pen” and abolish the pricing formula; yet prices continue under that formula, and no plan is presented to change it. You pledged to cut electricity tariffs by a third; now you continue to increase them.

¶ 07 You pledged to abolish the Executive Presidency and bring a new Constitution. A year on, there is no process, no timeline. On protecting democracy, we ask you to hold Provincial Council elections. You have a two-thirds majority—pass any needed law and conduct the polls. If you claim there’s no law, legislate swiftly or go with the old PR system. People have waited for years. Please hold the elections. I resume my seat. Thank you.