The Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney-at-Law

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Speaker, despite many matters to address, time is limited. The President spoke for four and a half hours—taking both Parliament’s time and ours—and in the end, what remains is “the burden remains while the fun is remembered.” The jokes and jabs at the Leader of the Opposition are what circulate, while the substance is the IMF’s programme.

¶ 02 Quoting the IMF Staff-Level Agreement: “The 2026 Budget should be in line with program parameters to continue building fiscal space on the back of strong revenue measures and prudent spending execution.” It further emphasizes improving tax compliance, broadening the base, strengthening laws to prevent evasion, and focusing on revenue measures to build fiscal space. So this Budget is aligned with the IMF template.

¶ 03 Some government speakers—doctors and PhDs—claimed in 2022 there were no reserves, no fuel, no movement on roads. We know 2022 was dire, but let’s look at data across years rather than propaganda. Gross reserves were USD 6.9bn (2018), 7.6bn (2019), then fell post-Easter attacks: 5.6bn (2020), 3.1bn (2021), 1.8bn (2022). Tourism earnings: USD 4.3bn (2018), 3.6bn (post-2019), then USD 602m, USD 506m in 2020–2022. This small economy—about USD 84bn GDP—gets buffeted by shocks. Don’t keep weaponizing half-truths.

¶ 04 Growth that was about 5% has now been marked down to 4.8% and even 4.6% in some periods. The rupee moved from 162 (2018) to 324, then back near 300; now around 307. Be honest with the people.

¶ 05 On capital spending execution: earlier a Member claimed over 50% financial progress in 2025. The President once said, “We’ll learn by doing.” Indeed, the capital allocation for the past nine months was LKR 1,315bn, later revised down to LKR 1,030bn; recurrent spending rose from LKR 5,530bn to LKR 5,886bn. Ministries now bundle recurrent and capital, making scrutiny difficult.

¶ 06 Only about 25% of allocated capital has been effectively spent, with large balances returned to the Treasury—then claiming the Treasury is “flush.” The reasons: administrative inexperience, officials’ fear to act, tender irregularities, and delays at the grassroots. Now, to use up funds, rushed tenders are being floated with shortened opening periods, inviting malpractice.

¶ 07 On poverty: there are about 5.7 million households. Male-headed households ~4.0 million; female-headed ~1.4 million. Since the 2019 HIES, no updated poverty survey has been done; it should be done every three years. As per World Bank, poverty has increased substantially since 2019, with roughly 2.4 million households now stressed (figures cited in debate). Many households live below the poverty line with daily purchasing power near USD 3.65 (~LKR 1,120). We need a structured poverty-alleviation programme, not politicized cadres under “Praja Shakthi,” dismantling proven schemes like Janasaviya/Samurdhi.

¶ 08 On vehicle imports: before taking office, the President said luxury vehicles would be sold to bring dollars. Then a vehicle “sale” was staged at Galle Face; some units allegedly sold off as scrap. Now Ministries complain vehicles are falling apart, asking for new ones. If you are importing pickups (cabs), set conditions—like at least 50% to be electric—to reduce diesel consumption; don’t do ad hoc purchases. And note the massive lifecycle costs: insurance, servicing, licenses, tyres—amounting to billions over years—often financed via leasing and benefiting connected companies.

¶ 09 Meanwhile, only LKR 3,000 million goes to public transport for 22 million people, but LKR 17,500 million to purchase 1,775 vehicles. There are 19,000 public officers eligible for permits—create a fair, structured path for them.

¶ 10 Education receives only about 1.28% of GDP through the PM’s Ministry, despite promises of 6%. 3,100 schools lack proper sanitation; 45 hospitals lack doctors. Yet vehicle procurements take precedence.

¶ 11 On pensions and promised pay adjustments to public servants since the 3.8 Perera Commission claims—these remain unresolved. The pledged property loan increases and disaster loans are inadequately funded: with LKR 500 million spread across 1.4 million public servants, it averages only LKR 4,100 each. Old 2023 disaster-loan applicants still wait.

¶ 12 Samurdhi has been split and gutted. On bar permits: after loud accusations against prior issuances, an affidavit in court now says they were lawful.

¶ 13 Finally, on “kite politics”: it was not us but others who drifted between alliances across decades. We stand with the people and have even resigned ministerial and MP posts. Remember that.