The Hon. Sunil Rajapaksha

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, thank you for the opportunity to speak on our people’s Government’s second Budget, presented to raise our society and economy — which had fallen to their knees — and to give our people contented lives.

¶ 02 Over these days, we comprehensively answered the Opposition’s various comments on our first-year balance sheet. None of them speak of the condition of the “balance sheet” we inherited: 70% of the population driven to live on handouts; major projects like airports and expressways stalled; that is the economy handed to us. Over the past year we worked hard to remove causes that damaged our economy, society, and culture — successfully. We have curbed corruption, waste, and theft, controlled unnecessary expenses, and directed resources to critical needs, while promoting social and cultural advancement through initiatives like Clean Sri Lanka and the nationwide anti-drug programme.

¶ 03 Contrary to Opposition predictions, the economy has not collapsed. Even Opposition MPs generally accept that we achieved stability this year. The “economic experts” who ran the country for decades crashed the economy. We are gradually rebuilding — evidenced by rising rupee and dollar reserves, improved international ratings, a reduced budget deficit compared to last year, increased foreign remittances, and a sustained positive balance in the current account in recent months. We have also lowered the borrowing limit compared to the last time — that is how we manage debt. Yes, we borrow — but for the people and development, not to line the pockets of these 159 Members. Previously, borrowed money found its way into private pockets; that is why we ended up a poor country.

¶ 04 No matter the obstacles, we will not stop. Through this second people’s Budget, we will take necessary steps to lead the economy to a happier, more prosperous place — focusing on a production economy, with emphasis on agriculture, industries and entrepreneurship, tourism, and the digital economy.

¶ 05 Hon. Member, your time is up.

¶ 06 Please grant me one minute. I urge you to study how much we have allocated to uplift micro, small, and medium enterprises, and how we will strengthen those relying on social protection to become economically empowered. We firmly say: we will never allow the country to fall as the Opposition wishes. We will not stop until we achieve victory — delivering “A Prosperous Country — A Beautiful Life.” I conclude.

¶ 07 Thank you.