The Hon. (Mrs.) Hemali Weerasekara - Deputy Chairperson of Committees

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Speaker, thank you for the opportunity to present facts—with data and people’s lived realities—on where the economy stands and where we are heading.

¶ 02 We are rebuilding from bankruptcy towards stability. This is not luck; it follows decisive policies and people’s sacrifices.

¶ 03 Before we formed Government, the Opposition said we had run no shop and knew nothing; that if we came, the economy would collapse; we had no foreign relations and would be isolated. Yet when the US imposed 44% tariffs, our President led a team that got them reduced to 30% and then to 20%. Constructive criticism is welcome; but the Opposition still spreads falsehoods in and out of Parliament.

¶ 04 In 1Q 2025, GDP growth exceeded IMF targets. Industry—derided as collapsing—grew 9.7%. We inherited 70-80% inflation; today it is controlled. Monthly revenue in 2025 has exceeded targets; unusually, 55% of annual tax revenue was collected in the first six months. At the grassroots, people themselves are asking to pay rates and obtain tax numbers; some local bodies even run mobile counters to collect dues.

¶ 05 Exports in the first half of 2025 grew 7% year-on-year; exports to Europe in June 2025 were up 23% over June 2024; to the UK up 20%. Since September 2024, the BOI has attracted projects totaling USD 1.1 billion; in 2025 alone USD 500 million FDI has arrived. Bloomberg says we could return to 2018 pre-COVID levels by 2026. Even if our Opposition will not acknowledge it, the world recognizes our stabilizing trajectory.

¶ 06 Confidence among the diaspora is rising; remittances have increased to USD 3.7 billion. These are not mere numbers; they reflect restored confidence in our economy and future. Domestic entrepreneurs are reinvesting; foreign investors, once repelled by corruption and instability, are returning, knowing they no longer need to pay 10%-20% commissions.

¶ 07 Hon. Deputy Speaker: You have two more minutes.

¶ 08 In this context, the Opposition should support the programme regardless of politics. We raised the minimum basic salary in the public sector from Rs. 24,250 to Rs. 40,000. The private sector wage increase of Rs. 30,000 was certified last month by the Hon. Speaker. When public and private workers’ hands have more money, daily life improves.

¶ 09 We are also strengthening the social safety net for targeted vulnerable groups. “Aswesuma” benefits were increased; the “Artha” programme now grants Rs. 5,000 monthly for children in institutional care, launched last month by the Prime Minister. Unlike past vote-buying, our “Praja Shakthi” programmes aim to lift people out of poverty, not trap them in it.

¶ 10 This Government’s aim is an inclusive economy benefitting all. Challenges remain, but in a short time we have stood up to them, rebuilding domestic and international confidence. This is a truly people-centric NPP Government fulfilling people’s aspirations with public participation through “A Prosperous Country, a Beautiful Life.” If the Opposition truly cares for the people, accept this ongoing economic transformation and help strengthen it. Thank you.