Hon. Sugath Thilakaratne - Deputy Minister of Sports

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Speaker, thank you for the opportunity to speak on the second Budget of the NPP Government.

¶ 02 This Budget is presented with fiscal discipline and is truly a citizens’ Budget — lifting all people, ensuring security for every community segment, and ending poverty. We aim to build a prosperous nation with an enriched life, advancing economically, socially, and culturally. We inherited a broken economy and gradually moved it forward through 2025, again with clear economic strategies in this Budget.

¶ 03 Key strategies include strengthening a production economy, boosting exports, digitalization, poverty alleviation, and attracting domestic and foreign investment while protecting all communities. We have already discussed many sectoral benefits and allocations.

¶ 04 A topical matter is the increase for estate workers: raising the daily wage from Rs. 1,350 to Rs. 1,750, with the Government providing a Rs. 200 arrival incentive. Some in the Opposition have attacked this. I ask the Leader of the Opposition: is it the Opposition’s position that this Rs. 200 is illegal? Last year you claimed estate owners would increase wages. We are providing Rs. 200 as a Government incentive — is that wrong? Today, estate workers in Badulla have rallied in support of receiving it.

¶ 05 On tourism, our 2030 target is USD 8 billion in revenue and 4 million arrivals. We allocate funds to restructure institutions, improve infrastructure, build human resources, and promote destinations. We have set aside Rs. 800 million to restore key attractions. Tourism will be central to achieving sustained 7 percent growth.

¶ 06 Focusing on nature-based and heritage tourism, we allocate Rs. 3,500 million, including funds for the Western Province coast, Hamilton Canal, and Negombo Lagoon. The coast spans about 120 km; the lagoon is 6,332 hectares. Pollution from plastics and fibres must be cleaned under the Clean Sri Lanka program, enabling beach use and coastal sports — also building a sports economy.

¶ 07 Our theme is “A Healthy Citizenry — A Victorious People.” Rs. 1,800 million is allocated to popularize sports, with a further Rs. 800 million proposed. We aim to create a healthier nation through sports culture, addressing the high prevalence of non-communicable diseases. The Health Ministry also allocates Rs. 500 million for NCD management. This Budget nourishes the economy and uplifts living standards. Let us all cooperate to achieve a self-reliant economy.

¶ 08 Thank you.