The Hon. (Prof.) L.M. Abeywickrama

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Speaker, thank you for the opportunity. Over the past six days we heard many speeches—some fair criticisms, but much hollow rhetoric. Many spoke sector by sector, asking what more they could get for their area. We must see this as a national Budget, not a feudal court purse.

¶ 02 When we prepared this, 26 percent of our people were below the poverty line; in the plantation sector, nearly 50 percent. In 42 percent of households, food quantity or quality was reduced. In public servant families with two or three children, most were below the poverty line; in families of four, monthly income under Rs. 60,000 meant poverty.

¶ 03 Agriculture and industry had been wrecked; we were set to sell ports, airports, and lands. We had to craft this Budget with great care and prudence. This is a coherent Budget for lifting the entire economy, not a bundle of allocations to puff up ministerial egos.

¶ 04 As someone from education and agriculture, let me highlight: We long demanded 6 percent for education; this Budget gives the largest share to education—raising Mahapola/university stipend to Rs. 7,500; allocating Rs. 32.5 billion more for child nutrition in pre- and primary schools; and significant funds for school and university infrastructure.

¶ 05 On transport: past regimes dismantled public transport; rural bus services were halted, forcing people onto costly three-wheelers. This Budget allocates large sums for rural roads and to deploy about 1,500 SLTB buses on economically unviable routes—an important win.

¶ 06 In agriculture, seed farms like Mahailluppallama and Pelwehera were deliberately run down. In 2023, we imported Rs. 2,831 million worth of seeds; today a papaya seed costs Rs. 70, a gherkin seed Rs. 50. Domestic seed production collapsed. This Budget allocates significant funds to revive seed farms and production—another win. We also invest Rs. 8.7 billion for smart agriculture, Rs. 3.4 billion for livestock revival, and substantial funds for minor irrigation (wewa) development.

¶ 07 On research: for a decade, research budgets in universities and institutes were slashed. Innovation stems from research; countries develop through it. This Budget reverses that with major R&D allocations—especially for agriculture—which, as an academic, gives me great satisfaction.

¶ 08 On cinnamon and tea: While direct line items may look modest, as rural roads, irrigation, and infrastructure improve, these sectors too will benefit significantly.

¶ 09 Waste management: neglected for years. Our cities flood with garbage during rains. Elsewhere, waste is a resource—for power, compost, and recycled inputs. This Budget allocates significant funds for scientific solid waste management to contribute to the economy.

¶ 10 Some in the Opposition cited rising homicides in recent months. Statistics show 572 homicides in 2023 and 555 in 2024; grievous injuries declined from 1,457 (2023) to 1,348 (2024). These crimes are not the outcome of our three months, but of a culture bred under your Governments.

¶ 11 We believe this inaugural Budget lays the foundation to reach “Prosperous Country – Beautiful Life” in a short time. Thank you.