The Hon. (Mrs.) Chamindranee Kiriella, Attorney-at-Law

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, thank you for the opportunity to speak during the Second Reading debate on the 2026 Budget.

¶ 02 Many from both Government and Opposition have commented on the NPP Government’s second Budget. The Government unveiled its policy declaration “A Prosperous Country – A Beautiful Life.” Many proposals in that declaration were not fulfilled through the 2025 inaugural Budget.

¶ 03 In other countries, when a government fails to implement its policy declaration, there are legal remedies. In Sri Lanka, there is no legal framework to compel implementation, but election manifestos form a social contract with the people, creating a moral obligation to deliver.

¶ 04 As Opposition MPs, we have a responsibility to scrutinize the Budget and report progress to our constituents. Under Article 148 of the Constitution, Parliament has full control over public finance. Yet when we critique constructively, Government MPs struggle to accept it. Some even say they are still “counting preferences” and that elections are four years away. A Deputy Minister from Kandy even trivialized Opposition views with derogatory remarks about women, which is unacceptable.

¶ 05 Much of the Government side’s speeches focus on the “76-year curse” and the Opposition. We urge Government MPs to develop the capacity to accept criticism. Though the President spoke for over four hours and listed 62 proposals, the public and the Opposition have little confidence.

¶ 06 Progress of the 2025 Budget is minimal. For example, Rs. 500 million was allocated to build a sports culture, but progress is zero. Many ministries have spent less than 50 per cent of their allocations; around 70 per cent execution was only in Public Administration and Provincial Councils, partly due to elections. Fitch, too, warned that despite stated fiscal consolidation, the new Budget poses risks to long-term economic prospects.

¶ 07 We recognize the estate community’s contribution to foreign exchange. In 2015 we granted 20-perch land titles, delivered long-unpaid benefits, provided Indian-funded housing, raised the daily wage to Rs. 1,000 in 2018 and then to Rs. 1,350 later. We welcome the current Rs. 200 increase.

¶ 08 On women’s empowerment, Rs. 440 million has been allocated, but given that women-headed households form about 25 per cent, this is inadequate – it works out to roughly Rs. 40 per woman, barely buying a cup of tea. We urge the female Prime Minister to pay attention and ensure adequate support.