The Hon. Chaminda Lalith Kumara

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Speaker, as we debate our new Government’s 2025 Budget, I feel genuine satisfaction. The people built the administration they wanted, giving us an even greater parliamentary majority than we asked, enabling a strong government. Despite false propaganda, the people fulfilled their responsibility and gave us great power. Our President, Cabinet, MPs, staff, and millions of party activists across the country, along with many who did not even vote for us, can take joy from this Budget because it delivers unprecedented benefits and shows we have begun to fulfill our duties.

¶ 02 When we came to power, we did not indulge in privileges—no entourages blocking roads, no waste of national wealth for pomp. We dedicate those savings to the people. We prioritized salary increases for the public and private sectors and all who toil to rebuild the country, and support for domestic industry and production.

¶ 03 In agriculture, our first task is ensuring food security by developing the sector. Production in many other crops is low and poorly managed. We must obtain at least 65% of nutrition needs from our own soil. We have allocated substantial funds to agriculture, increased fertilizer support even before this Budget, and allocated large sums for irrigation projects across districts including Anuradhapura.

¶ 04 We recognize there are only about eight months to spend these allocations, so officials must work efficiently. Some in the Opposition allege we will fail as they did, but we saw even they voted in large numbers for certain urgent Bills; many know this Budget can serve the country. We ask: do not merely criticize; help rebuild. Villagers joined us understanding the country had fallen—not just UNP, SLPP, or SLFP, but the nation. They allied with us to save the future of our children.

¶ 05 We learned from history, including coalition experiences where we secured fertilizer subsidies amid great difficulty. We have come as the National People’s Power, having learned lessons, not to play games before the public.

¶ 06 Every sector has collapsed—transport, health, education. In transport, basic bus services are lacking; depots lack buses, drivers, conductors; officials face hardships. Hospitals show similar strains. Therefore, the President has presented a bold Budget with the support of capable officials. The nation awaits its implementation, and we bring our full strength to realize it. To the Opposition: do not let this chance slip amid petty criticism; understand it correctly and help shape the right national consensus. Thank you.