The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake - Minister of Transport, Highways and Urban Development and the Leader of the House of Parliament

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees, I am pleased to speak on the second reading of the 2026 Budget of the National People’s Power Government.

¶ 02 When we presented the 2025 Budget in February, the Opposition loudly attacked even the wage increases — some unions struck despite raises. This time, the Opposition offered little substantive critique — some descended to mockery, disparaging elected representatives. Every MP comes here by the people’s vote. Those making elitist jibes should recall how their leaders were cast into the dustbin of history.

¶ 03 We also take pride that Ambika Samiwel — an ordinary woman of humble origins — sits in this House. Do not deride such representation; that attitude will only doom you. Your factions now unite under the banner of “former”— former Presidents, former PMs, former Ministers — even with fraudsters and abusers. We expect no reasoned debate from such quarters.

¶ 04 On plantation wages, certain Hill‑Country Tamil parties that long bargained with major parties have said one thing publicly and another privately; their statements are on record. We have already raised wages — withdraw it if you dare.

¶ 05 The Budget sets a clear trend: - Fiscal discipline aligned to national law and international commitments, building the macro base for the next four years. - Broadening the tax base rather than piling on to existing payers. - Accelerated digitalization. From 24th of this month, any bank card can be used to pay bus fares — a small but real change signalling the trend. - A production economy focus with significant allocations to MSMEs and investment promotion. The stock market has doubled.

¶ 06 A Budget is not just the President’s speech; beneath that are about Rs. 1,400 billion in capital projects compiled since May 31 through ministries, departments, and district inputs. The speech added about Rs. 76 billion; the book contains the rest. Read the document before criticizing.

¶ 07 On wages, Rs. 110 billion was allocated in March to increase public sector salaries, with further adjustments due in January. Everyone is within a plan — including preschool teachers from the last Budget.

¶ 08 We have established economic stability; otherwise so many professionals would not be importing vehicles. They import because they plan to stay — a vote of confidence.

¶ 09 We are also delivering on: - Anti‑corruption: the Commission is funded directly by Parliament under a strong Act; judiciary acts with straighter spine; police and relevant ministry staff are working hard. - Anti‑narcotics: a top priority. - Social justice: increased support to poor hill‑country families by Rs. 400, and more to come as resources allow.

¶ 10 We exercise strategic patience. You cannot turn a ship like a three‑wheeler. Informal economies and pavement traders will be addressed gradually with alternatives, not by a 24‑hour purge.

¶ 11 We will take political stability to family and individual stability — ensuring every 18‑year‑old knows that with effort, success is possible. Over the next four years, we will lift the economic, social, and political levels further. Join us in that confidence.

¶ 12 Thank you.