The Hon. (Mrs.) Samanmali Gunasingha

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees, we are to approve Rules under the Central Bank Act on bringing export proceeds into Sri Lanka. Our Deputy Ministers have explained them. Given the Middle East war and recent natural disasters, to manage our economy well and withstand shocks, we must take steps to stabilize and increase production. These Rules are one such step: after permitted FX uses, residual export proceeds must be converted by the 10th of the following month.

¶ 02 Even when the economy stabilizes, as we trade globally, we must manage the exchange rate prudently to our advantage. Some made much noise about the rupee; compared to last week, the rupee has strengthened. Today, dollar buy is around Rs. 331 and sell around Rs. 341. We must sustain stability to gain from importing inputs, fuel, coal, and essentials where we are dependent.

¶ 03 We are also strengthening revenue. As a result, in Q1 2025 Government revenue was Rs. 1.07 trillion; in Q1 2026 it rose to Rs. 1.5 trillion—up 40.5 percent. The primary balance moved from deficit in early 2025 to a surplus in early 2026, growing by about 78.5 percent. This reflects fiscal discipline and successful revenue measures.

¶ 04 We have passed the benefits to the people. Prices of 18 essential items at Lanka Sathosa have been reduced—for example: big onions from Rs. 249 to Rs. 219; white sugar from Rs. 229 to Rs. 219; Mysore dhal from Rs. 279 to Rs. 249; red Nadu rice from Rs. 230 to Rs. 209; white onions similarly down Rs. 30. We are also supporting farmers, fishers, and SMEs—relief a different Government would not have given; in previous “relief” times, substandard gas exploded in kitchens. We deliver real economic gains.

¶ 05 We have ended the era of “commissions” and are restoring peace by ending extremism and communalism. Some also claimed the Government did nothing for Kolonnawa flood victims. Go there: we did not label them illegal occupants. We paid Rs. 25,000–50,000 per family; schoolchildren received assistance. About 90 percent have been paid. Larger grants—Rs. 100,000 and Rs. 150,000—have been paid to about 6,000 cases. Total disbursed so far in Kolonnawa is Rs. 4,028 million. The total due is Rs. 9,836 million and it will be paid. These are people’s funds going to the people.

¶ 06 Thank you.