Hon. (Mrs.) Nilusha Lakmali Gamage

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, with the hope of delivering a “Prosperous Country – Beautiful Life” to the people, the Government’s approach to rebuilding the economy and its overall policies are presented in this maiden Budget.

¶ 02 This Budget can be called, after a long time in Parliamentary history, a truly “citizen’s budget.” It lays the foundation for an economy in which all citizens become active participants, active stakeholders and active beneficiaries. We expect growth in production in industrial services and agro-industrial sectors. For that, we expect the people’s active contribution as well as a fair distribution of benefits from production across society.

¶ 03 To enable all citizens to contribute productively to the economy, they must first have a healthy physical and mental environment and a healthy life. Such a healthy society enables continuous citizen participation in the economy. With this expectation, Rs. 600 billion has been allocated to the health sector. We know the impact on a household economy when there is a sick person at home. If one cannot obtain necessary treatment at the nearest hospital and must travel to a distant hospital with the required facilities, the family can fall from stability into hardship. This is the fate facing cancer patients in the Ratnapura District, who must travel far to Maharagama. In this Budget, Rs. 1.5 billion is allocated to establish a cancer unit at the Ratnapura Teaching Hospital, providing great relief to the people of Ratnapura. Also, Rs. 400 million is allocated for construction of the Ratnapura Maternity Care Complex. I wish to extend the gratitude of the people of Ratnapura to His Excellency the President.

¶ 04 Assistive devices are vital for persons with disabilities; they are like a part of their bodies. Understanding the need to expand local production of these devices across all provinces, Rs. 500 million is allocated for a broad programme.

¶ 05 Hon. Presiding Member, this Budget pays special attention to the future generation—our children—their nutrition, education, and mental and physical development. Children’s nutrition starts from conception. Accordingly, an allocation of Rs. 7.5 billion to provide nutrition packs to pregnant mothers and Rs. 5 billion for Triposha lays the foundation. The payment per meal under the preschool breakfast programme is increased from Rs. 60 to Rs. 100, with Rs. 1,000 million allocated.

¶ 06 For quality, equity and excellence in education, Rs. 619 billion is allocated—the largest ever allocation for education in a Budget. Since 2019, due to economic hardships, schools’ infrastructure repairs have not happened; Rs. 10,000 million is allocated in 2025 to address this. Rs. 135,000 million is allocated to enhance quality in the university system. Our policy is to develop a primary school within three kilometres of residence. There are 10,126 government schools; 3,946 are primary schools; more than 3,000 have fewer than 100 students, mostly in rural and difficult areas. Rs. 500 million is allocated to plan rationalisation and relocation to address disparities.

¶ 07 Developing sports schools and improving libraries in Jaffna and other regions will help develop children’s attitudes.

¶ 08 Hon. Presiding Member, directing our youth to vocational education is a national need. Studies show increased school dropouts before O/L due to acute economic pressures at home. In Ratnapura, more children turn to gem mining. Therefore, it is important to guide them to vocational education. The proposal to increase the monthly stipend for trainees from Rs. 4,000 to Rs. 5,000 is commendable. Rs. 15.4 billion is allocated to develop vocational education.

¶ 09 Our rural economy is built on agriculture. To increase paddy productivity, Rs. 35,000 million is allocated to continue the fertiliser subsidy. The Government focuses on co-operative mechanisms, alternative products, and encouraging youth entrepreneurship, providing land, agro-industrial extensions and services, and strengthening the legal framework and infrastructure with Rs. 100 million in incentives.

¶ 10 To support young MSME agripreneurs, Rs. 500 million is allocated for a youth entrepreneurship programme in agro-industries. By adding value to minor export crops like cinnamon and pepper, we can earn more export income. The Government will strengthen Sri Lankan Missions to market and promote these products, improve quality, and facilitate partnerships with value-adding exporters through international joint ventures, along with providing necessary technical support.

¶ 11 Under social protection, this Budget focuses on improving the wellbeing of children in probation, rehabilitation institutions, certified schools, remand, and child protection centres by enhancing capacity, physical facilities and human resources. It also proposes child-friendly transport systems for children to and from courts. It is unfair if someone, due to living in a difficult area, disability, lack of educational opportunities, or basic infrastructure, is unable to realise economic potential. In line with our policy declaration, ensuring every citizen a dignified and secure life is a commitment demonstrated throughout this Budget.

¶ 12 Hon. Presiding Member, the Opposition keeps saying the NPP Government made false promises. Throughout, this Budget has been presented to fulfil the Government’s promises. Even if the Opposition does not understand, the people do. We, the Government, pledge together to rebuild this country. I conclude.

¶ 13 Thank you, Hon. Presiding Member, for the opportunity.