Hon. Eranga Gunasekara - Deputy Minister of Youth Affairs

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Speaker, for the first time we have tabled, under Section 11(3) of the State Financial Management Act, a Government Fiscal Strategy Statement, laying out plans for 2026–2030.

¶ 02 We must understand why we went bankrupt: lack of transparency, poor management, and absence of discipline. The people and the NPP Government have now introduced discipline, plans, and actions—formally articulated. If someone refuses to read the plan and then claims there is no plan, we cannot help that.

¶ 03 The Opposition should scrutinize and critique constructively, not frighten investors and businesspeople with daily theatrics. Recently, some celebrated prospective US tariff issues, hoping it would hurt the Government. We did not claim the matter is fully resolved, but the Finance Ministry and others have engaged diplomatically to manage it. When Middle East tensions affected flight routes, the same voices spread panic about fuel. That mindset is the problem.

¶ 04 On the “323 containers,” note that it was our Government that appointed a committee on 30 January to inquire. Some now quote that report as if it were their own discovery. Likewise, those who tried to hijack the Colombo Municipal Council now grandstand here.

¶ 05 Judge us by results. Since taking office, we increased exports in the first five months of 2025 by USD 6.9 million (7.14 percent growth over 2024), and lifted State revenue targets: Domestic Revenue at 101 percent, Customs at 104 percent, and Excise at 106 percent. Our medium-term targets include reducing public debt below 95 percent of GDP by 2032 and keeping government guarantees around 7.5 percent of GDP.

¶ 06 We are restoring rule of law and discipline while cutting waste—managing both the rupee and dollar “buckets.” This Statement is not mere paper; it is a practical, strategic plan the public can see. Thank you.