The Hon. U.P. Abeywickrama, Attorney-at-Law

¶ 01 Thank you, Hon. Chairman.

¶ 02 The Opposition says we are “breaking the pot to bathe” — but from the outset, our Government focused on the long-neglected estate workers who sustained the economy. After discussions with relevant stakeholders, we proposed that Rs. 200 be contributed by companies and Rs. 200 by the Treasury, to ensure a Rs. 1,750 wage. The President clearly stated that even if one works one, two, or twenty days, the Rs. 200 allowance applies, with Rs. 1,750 at 25 days. Some seem unable to comprehend this.

¶ 03 On the Justice and National Integration Ministry’s Votes: for 2026 we have allocated Rs. 58,500 million — Rs. 43,000 million for recurrent and Rs. 15,500 million for capital. We did not come to continue the old ways that dragged the country down; we promised a new path.

¶ 04 Some argue capital spending is low; we accept we chose prudence. Unlike in the past where contracts were handed to cronies and funds wasted, we will spend capital funds through due process. Procurement is being done within emergency-compatible procedures where necessary; we will not abuse tender timelines to steal.

¶ 05 We pledged to safeguard taxpayers’ money like sacred property, and across ministries we acted methodically. The Budget was presented and approved in March; elections in April delayed activities until end-May. Projects subsequently commenced.

¶ 06 The justice system has long-standing issues: over 1.1 million cases clogging courts; property disputes are severe. These stem from the political culture and poor governance. We must untangle these to move forward.

¶ 07 In Pugoda, the courts operate in a rented building for nearly a decade, paying Rs. 450,000–500,000 monthly, with substandard conditions. Construction of the new complex began, then slowed; recently it resumed under the State Engineering Corporation, though subcontracting issues arose. In Gampaha, the Bar has requested a court complex aligned to the urban plan; the Minister has agreed to discuss. Across Sri Lanka, court infrastructure and staffing must improve. We are recruiting 50 State Counsel and will provide necessary research staff to judges. We have appointed 13 committees to resolve sectoral issues, including reducing case backlogs. Under directions of the Chief Justice as Chair of the Judicial Service Commission, by 31 December courts are to clear non-essential case items and maintain only necessary records under “Clean Sri Lanka.” We face the challenge of systemic disorder created over years, but we will regularize and deliver a prosperous country and better life.

¶ 08 Thank you.