The Hon. Ananda Wijepala - Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Speaker, thank you for the opportunity to speak on the 2026 Budget. This is our second Budget. We present it not from normalcy, but after taking over a nation broken economically, socially and politically, with megaproject debts unpaid and development in disarray. With a strategic approach, we set out six core objectives.

¶ 02 First, inclusivity and sustainability: a growth model where benefits reach all, targeting 7 per cent growth, with development spread to every province and community.

¶ 03 Second, export diversification through the National Export Development Plan 2025–2029.

¶ 04 Third, debt sustainability: besides multilateral creditors, we have not been servicing other external debts, but from 2028, repayments resume. The Budget lays the groundwork to meet them. As the President stated, of USD 2,435 million due in 2025, USD 1,948 million has already been paid and the balance will be cleared within two months. In 2028, USD 3,259 million is due and we will be able to pay without hindrance. Debt sustainability has been secured.

¶ 05 Despite this, some propagate doomsday narratives about default, sowing doubts with fake news. There is no basis for such claims.

¶ 06 Fourth, eliminating rural poverty through a national development framework grounded in SDGs, with Rs. 25,000 million allocated for the “Praja Shakthi” program.

¶ 07 Fifth, digitalization to enhance economic growth, social well-being and transparent, efficient public service — with allocations to extend it across the State in 2026.

¶ 08 Criticisms from the Opposition lack foundation and are often driven by spite, not substance. The President presented data: exports in the first nine months rose from Rs. 850 billion (2024) to Rs. 910 billion (2025); worker remittances grew from USD 4.8 billion to USD 5.8 billion; tourism earnings from USD 2.3 to USD 2.5 billion; revenues from Rs. 2.9 trillion to Rs. 3.8 trillion. This is the basis of our stability.

¶ 09 The Opposition Leader scoffed at “filling the Treasury,” yet when he held three ministerial portfolios during yahapalana, the three respective funds deteriorated. He could not manage even a ministry’s finances then. We welcome fair criticism, not rancor.

¶ 10 On the Rs. 200 attendance incentive and Rs. 1,750 daily wage for estate workers: regardless of challenges, we will ensure payment. Some even threaten complaints — we will proceed.

¶ 11 On vehicles: Rs. 12.5 million each will be used to provide 1,750 cab vehicles to the public service to improve efficiency. This is not new for MPs; as clearly stated on page 194 of “A Prosperous Country – A Beautiful Life,” MPs will receive a vehicle for the duration of their term only. Fuel allowances already exist for MPs — Government and Opposition alike. We are not providing additional fuel for cabs to MPs. In the past, some took multiple fuel allowances — from ministries, Parliament, and as District Committee Chairmen — contributing to bankruptcy. We have changed that culture: our Ministers do not take the Parliament fuel allowance; only the ministry allowance.

¶ 12 To protect workers’ savings, the Budget intervenes where 10 institutions failed to pay EPF/ETF — funds are allocated to ensure employees receive their due. For housing loans, the Government will bear 4 per cent interest, and for loans between Rs. 3–5 million, an additional 2 per cent relief; Rs. 500 million is allocated for this interest subsidy and can be increased if insufficient.

¶ 13 We have also increased the advance for ceremonial expenses from Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 15,000. Over 2,000 underutilized State buildings will be repurposed productively.

¶ 14 Rs. 1,100 billion has been allocated for public sector salary increases — Rs. 1,100 billion last year, this year and next year for continued relief. We are depoliticizing the public service, reducing burdens, promoting efficiency and integrity, and we thank public servants for their dedication. Strengthening the State service is a core feature of this Budget.

¶ 15 Regarding the Police circular on providing information to media: it only restricts disclosures that impede investigations. It is standard administrative guidance — not an attempt to suppress media.

¶ 16 We have presented a fair Budget serving all sectors. Some predicted the Government’s downfall starting from Nugegoda; yesterday, they called their rally a reminder of promises. The people understand our work program. We do this for the future — for children born and yet unborn — to build a durable economy.

¶ 17 Thank you, Hon. Deputy Speaker.