The Hon. (Mrs.) Anushka Thilakarathne, Attorney-at-Law

¶ 01 Thank you, Hon. Deputy Speaker.

¶ 02 Listening to this debate on the NPP Government’s inaugural Budget, it is clear from Opposition speeches themselves that past governance was corrupt, their economic policies failed, and their State financial management lacked accountability. That is why the people gave the NPP a more-than two-thirds mandate—to replace corrupt governance with good governance, failed policies with successful ones, and irresponsible public finance with accountable management.

¶ 03 We must read the mandate given by farmers, fishers, professionals, scientists, researchers, teachers, academics, workers, and all Sri Lankans. They did not vote merely for a political transition; they voted for an economic transformation and a social transformation alongside it. So however much you shout, the mandate is to take the political power we received and use it to achieve economic stabilization and social transformation.

¶ 04 Many Government Members have addressed numerous sectors; I will focus on education. I represent Nuwara Eliya, one of the most difficult districts, with many lost lives and hardships. The right to education is among the least realized rights there—due to terrain, climate, poverty, and malnutrition. There is no reliable school transport; primary systems are weak. Some in the Opposition claimed estate Tamil people “live” because of them; the reality is, they are merely surviving, not living—with no secure homes, safe environments, or proper education. This is the result of the failed policies you maintained.

¶ 05 Between ages 13 and 18, Nuwara Eliya has high rates of teenage pregnancy—reflecting deep poverty. Many youth leave for unsafe domestic work or odd jobs in towns; some buy three-wheelers with meagre incomes. On what basis can you now lecture on their education?

¶ 06 This Budget focuses on communities long neglected: children in institutional care, prisoners, women facing abuse, and marginalized citizens—including those with disabilities—to integrate them productively into the economy. We have spoken about these groups across the Budget text.

¶ 07 In Kotmale, my electorate, though the district is famed for greenery and rivers, over 60 percent lack clean drinking water—especially in Kotmale. There are privately controlled sources; past politicians made plans from afar without visiting the 96 GN divisions to understand problems. Our Government has allocated Rs. 108.7 billion for drinking water supply through rural development. These are basic human rights that were denied.

¶ 08 Let me end with a poem by Liyanagahawela Pannasekara Thero from “Entrance Prohibited,” titled “Questions.” Children’s questions are beautiful because they stem from curiosity. But the Opposition repeatedly asks us: increase this allocation more, create more posts, promotions, vehicles—morning, noon, and night. Ask yourselves why we are in this situation. We are undertaking a political and economic transformation that requires fiscal discipline and prioritization. We, the MPs here, are not asking for vehicles or perks; we have sacrificed to honor the people’s mandate. Do not ask us childlike questions; understand the context. We are committed to building this country together.