The Hon. (Mrs.) A.M.M.M. Rathwaththe

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Speaker, thank you for the opportunity to join this debate on our Government’s first Budget. For years, Budgets were presented for the comfort of the ruling elite and the wealthy. For 2025, we have presented a genuine people’s Budget—centred on a production economy, uplifting the masses and addressing every sector—rather than one that sells national economic nerve-centres to foreigners.

¶ 02 A long-neglected group are children in orphanages, detention homes and child-care institutions—deprived of parental love and care. This Budget introduces a new approach: - Rs. 2,000 per month to each child’s personal account, and Rs. 3,000 per month for their welfare, totalling Rs. 5,000 monthly. - When they reach 18, instead of forcing them immediately out, we will amend laws so they can remain until economically integrated. - For those marrying after leaving care, Rs. 1 million in support is provided; Rs. 1,000 million is allocated for this.

¶ 03 Opponents claimed an NPP Government would isolate Sri Lanka and cut off foreign aid. Yet, for my Ampara District and the Eastern Province, 33 projects in education, health, agriculture, fisheries, tourism and community empowerment have been approved with Indian support totalling Rs. 2,371 million—agreement is ready to sign.

¶ 04 On education, though results are long-term, we have allocated Rs. 619 billion. Some say spending on education is pointless. I invite them to our villages where schools with 300–400 children lack proper toilets, teachers lack basic facilities, and there is no drinking water. This investment is for our children’s future.

¶ 05 In my Dehiattakandiya area, 1,142 people suffer from chronic kidney disease, rendering many families destitute. We are increasing the monthly allowance from Rs. 7,500 to Rs. 10,000—a timely step. We are also moving 200,000 Aswesuma beneficiaries into livelihoods over five years to rejoin the economy.

¶ 06 Although not a Budget line, I highlight the ongoing “Mahaweli Revival Week” (17–23rd) implemented by the Mahaweli Authority and local officials, resolving longstanding community issues. Many families in Dehiattakandiya have lacked land permits since 1982; numerous such issues are being addressed this week.

¶ 07 Finally, Sri Lanka was long called a “developing country of the Third World”. Under this Government, we will strive to transform it into a developed nation of the Third World. Thank you.