The Hon. Gayan Janaka

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees, thank you for the opportunity to speak on the 2026 Budget.

¶ 02 On 12 April 2022, Sri Lanka officially declared bankruptcy. That was not due to one event but the cumulative failure of an economic model — chronic macro‑instability, fiscal imbalances, structural inefficiencies, and governance weaknesses. Those who led the country to bankruptcy for 76 years now purport to tutor us on recovery. Sorry, we do not need guidance on the path to default. Our Government is a political project to rescue the country from bankruptcy and make the aspirations of a prosperous nation a reality. We presented our second Budget having implemented the first, and we do not look to the “fathers of bankruptcy” for advice.

¶ 03 They question our progress. By 30 October, capital expenditure execution reached 58% with two months left, whereas in 2016 the then Government managed only 50.2% after a full year. We have already surpassed that in eight months and expect to exceed 80% by year‑end.

¶ 04 The 2022 crisis set the country back a decade. We predicted it could take 10 years to regain 2019 levels, but within one year in office we have recovered many lost gains. We have stabilized the macro‑fundamentals and built a platform for rapid growth, targeting 7% medium‑term growth through sectoral strategies. We have raised wages in public and private sectors and allocated for further relief such as scholarships and social support.

¶ 05 A year ago, on 14 November, the people gave us a two‑thirds mandate. We proceed with confidence to honor that trust. Opposition taunts will not derail us. Thank you.