The Hon. Anura Kumara Dissanayaka

¶ 01 Perhaps so. We will discuss and, if necessary, change the criteria. We agree—if the criteria must change, we will change them.

¶ 02 Another matter: we passed the Budget on March 21, and immediately the local government elections were announced. The elections concluded on May 6. That caused delays in launching projects due to Election Commission restrictions. Therefore, projects could only start after May 6, leaving a short time to complete by December 31. Some MPs may have missed submissions due to that. Also, activities usually begin only after Ministries receive funds. This time, however, we will release all 2025 budgeted funds. Though some activities were delayed, we will not have the old complaint of budget funds being withheld. For 2026, funds will be available from January so we can commence early. The main issue this year was the May 6 start; District Development Committees may have rushed proposals. Next year, we will ensure every MP can submit proposals matching their district allocations. We will not do politics by denying funds. MPs are treated as MPs, equally.

¶ 03 Further, in the upcoming Budget, we intend to provide a concessionary vehicle for use during the term and to be returned thereafter. We are discussing this at District Development Committees. We recognize delays due to the May start and are gathering data from all departments to expedite releases.

¶ 04 We have laid a good foundation. I ask you to proceed on this path. Work to gain power if you wish; that is fine. But do not engage in conspiracies, create instability, or sow economic uncertainty. If what was claimed had materialized, US tariffs would have been at 44 per cent by today. You said on SLVLOG that at this trajectory, tax would go to 44 per cent while we were at 30, and India would reduce to 15–20. Please record this. An Indian delegation is in the US now; our people keep talking. If that had happened—