The Hon. Padmasiri Bandara

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees, thank you for the opportunity at this crucial stage of the 2026 Budget debate.

¶ 02 Only days ago, the Leader of the Opposition said a Rs. 200 daily attendance incentive for plantation workers was illegal; then a media briefing claimed it was legal. Which is it? Mixed messages show confusion. Another MP called Government members “rag‑tag and coconut frond bringers.” Let me remind him: on our side are professors, doctors, artists, principals, lawyers, engineers — not rag‑tags. Many in the Opposition come from hereditary seats — father to son to nephew. The people have sent a different, educated cohort to this House and we have produced a historic, deliverable Budget.

¶ 03 This Budget is not a patchwork. When the economy and political culture were collapsing, we won and formed a stable Government and presented a scientific Budget for 2025, and now a stronger 2026 Budget. Some called the “People’s Power” program a politicized outfit; in fact it addresses genuine rural aspirations and strengthens their economy.

¶ 04 On priorities: Education receives Rs. 704 billion; Health Rs. 654 billion; Transport Rs. 456 billion — protecting fundamental rights and development pillars. To the Opposition I say: set aside theatrics and judge with conscience. Even an Opposition MP admitted early in the debate this is a successful Budget. We will take the country forward with this strong Budget and seek your support when the vote comes.

¶ 05 Thank you.