The Hon. (Dr.) M.L.A.M. Hizbullah

¶ 01 Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim.

¶ 02 Hon. Deputy Speaker, we thank and commend His Excellency the President and Minister of Finance, Hon. Anura Kumara, for presenting a robust Budget for 2026 to rebuild the economy.

¶ 03 We are recovering from a severe economic crisis. This Budget arrives at a time when arrangements must be made to begin servicing restructured debts from 2028, to raise revenues, and to attract both foreign and domestic investments.

¶ 04 The President has stated this Budget will keep inflation below 5 per cent and accelerate post-crisis recovery. We welcome this and stress the need to create conditions to increase foreign investment. Routine revenues alone will not suffice; we must actively facilitate external investments.

¶ 05 Recently, the Hon. Minister of Foreign Affairs visited Saudi Arabia and established an Economic Council with that country — commendable. There is also a recent agreement with the UAE, and the Hon. Deputy Minister of Religious and Cultural Affairs, Hon. Muneer Mulaffer, engaged in multiple initiatives in Saudi Arabia — also commendable. We must bring investors here to invest so that, starting 2028, we can meet debt repayments.

¶ 06 Drug addiction has spread alarmingly across the country — affecting schoolchildren, workers, academics and employers. We fully commend the President’s initiative to eradicate drugs and are ready to extend complete cooperation. The Budget allocates roughly Rs. 1,500 million for this common, national program, which must be pursued by Government and Opposition alike.

¶ 07 Long-neglected patients with major illnesses will, for the first time, receive monthly financial support as proposed in the Budget — a welcome measure. Further, several proposals support rebuilding the economy, agriculture and fisheries — also commendable.

¶ 08 For decades, the estate community — a backbone of the economy — has struggled to secure higher daily wages. Successive governments negotiated with plantation companies without success. For the first time, the President has agreed to pay a Rs. 200 per-day attendance incentive from the Treasury to each worker — a measure that will positively impact the livelihoods of hundreds of thousands in the estates. We commend this.

¶ 09 In 2025, no funds were allocated to the Eastern Province. We were told India would provide funds, but none were received, nor were domestic funds provided. As a result, the Province was neglected throughout the year. In the 2026 Budget, Rs. 300 million has been allocated to rebuild the long-abandoned Nintavur Cultural Hall established in memory of our late leader Ashraff — a valuable allocation amid constraints. On behalf of the Eastern people and our party, we extend our thanks.

¶ 10 I have repeatedly requested funds in Committee meetings to expand the Valachchenai Fisheries Harbour with an additional jetty to berth more boats. The Hon. Minister of Fisheries agreed, and Rs. 350 million has now been allocated for this in the Budget. My district thanks the President.

¶ 11 However, one proposal will burden the public. Previously, businesses became liable for VAT and related taxes when daily turnover was about Rs. 150,000, amounting to roughly 20.5 per cent (including VAT and other taxes). Now, the threshold is reduced to Rs. 100,000 per day. Even small hotels and village groceries and bakeries often exceed Rs. 100,000 a day in turnover. Passing 20.5 per cent tax onto consumers will increase prices, especially hurting rural communities. While we recognize the IMF conditionality to raise revenue, given closures of factories and poor market access for agriculture, this will raise living costs. I request the President to reconsider this threshold.

¶ 12 The President pledged to upgrade Puttalam Hospital to District General status. Over 100,000 people rely on it, yet no upgrade or facilities have been provided, and no allocation has been made in the 2026 Budget. The people, who supported the Government across elections, are disappointed. Hon. Minister of Health (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa, I urge you to act: upgrade the hospital and address the Aruwakkalu landfill issue which is worsening public health. That area is already impacted by the Norochcholai Coal Power Plant — even drinking water and washing clothes are affected. I have witnessed this personally. Please take urgent action.

¶ 13 A Budget is not ink on white paper; it must be implemented. Last year, only about 55 per cent of allocations were spent and 16 projects had not even commenced. Each rupee allocated must deliver outcomes — in schools, hospitals, clean water, roads and basic needs. I ask the Government to ensure full utilization. Under the President’s leadership, people expect an honest, corruption-free Government, solutions to people’s issues, and a just resolution to the problems faced by the Tamil people in the North and East.