The Hon. Chandima Hettiaratchi

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Speaker, at this point in the 2025 Budget debate, I wish to recall three pivotal Budgets presented in historic moments.

¶ 02 In 1970, Dr. N.M. Perera stated: “In repudiating and rejecting the policies followed by the U.N.P.-F.P. Government, the country has endorsed the programme of the United Front... That programme lays the foundation for the building up of a socialist society... private enterprise has a part to play... but the leading part must be in the hands of the public sector.”

¶ 03 In 1977, Minister Ronnie de Mel said: “My task as Minister of Finance is difficult... first, the immediate need to revive the economy destroyed by the Sirimavo Bandaranaike Government; second, to transform the country into a free economy as a firm foundation for growth and development...”

¶ 04 In 2025, President and Minister of Finance Hon. Anura Kumara Dissanayake said on page 4 of the Budget Speech: “Opportunities must be expanded for all citizens to participate in the economic process, and growth must be such that its fruits are fairly shared by all strata. Growth is not an end in itself but a means to uplift all lives. For decades, activity and benefits have been concentrated among a few. In 2019, the top 20% accounted for 47% of household expenditure; in 2023, the Western Province contributed 44% of GDP. Therefore, we need a great democratization of the economy to move forward. The public asserted their political rights through the Aragalaya and the last elections; now we must affirm their economic rights. This Budget’s vision is precisely that.”

¶ 05 These three Budgets were presented at moments of major political-economic change: 1970, 1977, and 2025. Through this Budget we target 5% growth, driven by production and services, with both public and private investment.

¶ 06 In agriculture, we support productivity with new research and new paddy varieties, to lift domestic demand and export shares. Major public investments this year include programmes for food security and technology, crop productivity, agro-industry and entrepreneurship, water and soil nutrient management, and crop protection—with entrepreneurship development as a core element.

¶ 07 We also expect efficiency, transparency, and accountability from the public service, improving service quality and rebuilding public trust, which in turn supports services-sector growth.

¶ 08 A standout is digital transformation. Rather than merely funding a ministry, we allocate across 12 sectors: Rs. 21.8 billion overall for digital transformation—Rs. 7.1 billion to the line ministry and Rs. 14.7 billion across others—to drive efficiency and accountability.

¶ 09 Production is meaningless if purchasing power does not rise. Hence we have increased public-sector salaries and are intervening to raise private-sector minimum wages, so people can afford goods and services as output reaches the market.

¶ 10 Our fundamental difference—which the Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva missed when he said we were “mixing church and temple”—is that, given today’s realities, we are willing to bring together every guiding principle needed to democratize the economy. If for the people we must speak the Dhammapada, the Bible, the Quran, and the Bhagavad Gita together, we will.

¶ 11 There is a famous sword inscribed on both blades: “To defend” and “To defeat.” Anura Dissanayake’s sword has a third blade: “To develop.” This Budget fights on all three fronts.

¶ 12 This Budget contains our dream—and the people’s: jobs for youth, new enterprises, healthier people, education for every child, a prosperous country, and beautiful lives for all. We will make that dream real.

¶ 13 When Jesus was nailed to the cross by thieves on Calvary, he said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” Today, when thieves try to crucify President Anura Dissanayake in Diyawannawa, we say to the people, “Forgive them; they know not what they do.” We will carry this dream forward until victory.