Hon. (Dr.) Rizvie Salih - Deputy Speaker and Chair of Committees

¶ 01 Hon. Speaker, I rise to express my views during the Second Reading of the Appropriation Bill for 2026 presented to this House by the Hon. President, in his capacity as the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, on 7 November 2025.

¶ 02 I commend the Hon. President and his team for a forward-looking Budget that consolidates stability and rekindles public faith in governance to deliver progress and justice.

¶ 03 We are at a crossroads of revival. Reforms over the past year put us on a path of fiscal stability. The 2026 Budget aims to translate that into tangible benefits through education, healthcare, employment, and unity. A Budget reflects our moral and social priorities.

¶ 04 The Budget widens the tax net, improves compliance and digitalization, and channels expenditure to productive sectors — education, health, infrastructure — balancing fiscal discipline with social responsibility.

¶ 05 We welcome restoring dignity to the Public Service. The second stage of the salary increase takes effect January 2026 with Rs. 110 billion provided. Pension revisions for those retired before 2020 will be paid from July 2026 with Rs. 20 billion allocated. The interest-free festival advance increases from Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 15,000.

¶ 06 We also welcome recruiting 75,000 for essential services — technical, law enforcement, revenue — strictly via exams and service requirements, free from political interference.

¶ 07 A particularly welcome feature is the Rs. 400 daily wage increase for estate workers. As a former medical officer at Nuwara Eliya, I saw how crucial they are to our world-famous Ceylon Tea yet long underappreciated. This is a tribute to those who pluck “two leaves and a bud.”

¶ 08 Continuing the Rs. 6,000 monthly support per family for school stationery is commendable. Rs. 11,000 million to improve medical faculties at Sabaragamuwa, Ruhuna, Uva Wellassa, and Eastern Universities is timely. Increasing Mahapola by Rs. 2,500 on top of 2025 to Rs. 10,000 monthly boosts our future graduates.

¶ 09 As a doctor of 37 years, I welcome strengthening national health services, especially a new 16-storey National Cardiac Unit. Cardiovascular diseases account for 40 percent of national mortality. Expanding capacity will save lives, reduce waiting lists, and train specialists, treating health as investment in human capital.

¶ 10 Assistance to Thalassemic patients is laudable. When both parents are Thalassemia minor, there is a 25 percent chance of a major child; survival is often 13–15 years without sustained care. This Budget provides Rs. 10,000 per month to deserving families. I urge mandatory genetic screening of susceptible populations with counselling, though not to legally prevent marriage.

¶ 11 The Budget funds the fight against synthetic drugs — a battle for our youth and society — recognizing it as a public health and social challenge, not only law enforcement. Enhancing rehabilitation, education on addiction, and preventive health is essential.

¶ 12 Beyond these, the Budget supports inclusive growth: SMEs, digital infrastructure, and agricultural modernization to empower entrepreneurs and productivity.

¶ 13 Fiscal credibility matters. The world acknowledges Sri Lanka is restoring trust. We must ensure every rupee reaches its purpose — a school in Monaragala, a hospital in Jaffna, or housing in Puttalam.

¶ 14 This is not the end of reform but continuation of nation rebuilding, towards a resilient economy, a healthier nation, and a disciplined society. The public will judge both Government sincerity in implementation and constructive Opposition input.

¶ 15 Thank you.