The Hon. Dinindu Saman Hennayake - Deputy Minister of Youth Affairs

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, today is 13 November—a significant day. It is 36 years since our Party Leader, Rohana Wijeweera, was assassinated. His core message—sacrifice for others—resonates again today. In a world of self-interest, he taught giving one’s life for another.

¶ 02 Our political vision has long been a just society, a rule-of-law-based nation, and a free human being—principles still central to the NPP. We seek a society where law applies equally, and people can stand upright. The movement he founded stands strong, and the people have entrusted us with power to implement that vision.

¶ 03 I am happy about this Budget—presented within a year of taking office by a capable Government. We have not failed. From a bankrupt, unstable economy, we have steadily built stability. Even the Opposition now speaks of a fiscal surplus. We built a new economic path—maintaining over Rs. 1 trillion in rupee balances at the Treasury.

¶ 04 When we assumed office, many said the dollar would hit Rs. 400 or 500, fuel would run out, and people would queue. Instead, fuel is affordable; the exchange rate is stable; foreign reserves exceed USD 6.2 billion, even after spending over USD 1.8 billion on vehicle imports. We strengthened the economy without contraction—broadening activity while delivering benefits.

¶ 05 This has been a year of balance—raising domestic and foreign investment. Within a year, we attracted about USD 1 billion in FDI; worker remittances increased by 20 percent over last year; tourism has brought nearly two million visitors so far. Ratings agencies like Fitch and Moody’s have lifted us to CCC+. This did not happen by media gimmicks, but by hard work.

¶ 06 This 2026 Budget delivers relief and strengthens every sector. As an MP for Badulla, I am sensitive to the plight of the hill-country estate community—people who for 200 years have laboured to earn our dollars while living entire families in single rooms. Imagine if any of us could live so—no, they are severely burdened. We believe they too deserve a good life. Last year we tried to secure a Rs. 1,750 daily wage; we could not conclude it. This year, after talks with planters, we decided that in addition to the Rs. 1,350 now paid, the Government will pay Rs. 200 and planters Rs. 200 as an attendance incentive—so that estate workers get better lives.

¶ 07 Who objected? UNP’s Leader spent Rs. 16 lakhs on a trip for a degree—Opposition said it was fine to use public money thus. But now Namal Rajapaksa says the Rs. 200 to estate workers is wrong. The SJB Leader’s media spokesperson also said the Rs. 200 is wrong. We ask the Opposition Leader: is this your position? MP Rohini Kavirathna says she will go to the Bribery Commission over this Rs. 200. Go if you must. But understand: you are opposing assistance to an impoverished Tamil community in the hill country. Likewise, for Montessori teachers and persons with disabilities, we will implement cost-sharing subsidies—up to Rs. 15,000 if private sector employs a person with disability. If you oppose this too, take it to the Commission.

¶ 08 For decades, the UNP, SJB, and Pohottuwa held May Day rallies in hill-country towns because they could not hold them in Colombo—dragging those innocent people along. This time, those people voted for us—and you now oppose a Rs. 200 support to them.

¶ 09 Hon. Presiding Member, the hill-country people have begun their struggle. Whatever objections come, as a Government we will not stop the Rs. 200 support. We will stabilize their lives and living conditions; as an MP representing them, I understand their pain. We ask the people to unmask the Opposition’s hypocrisy, unite, and take to the streets if needed against this despicable stance. I conclude.

¶ 10 Thank you.