The Hon. Champika Hettiarachchi

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, since Independence, we have faced several grave economic crises—the 2022 collapse in particular. That downturn flowed from a deterioration of fiscal discipline. All—young and old—suffered. People died in queues on roads and at fuel stations. Children suffered. Many youths took their own lives; hopes were shattered. We saw a period when professionals and youth were dragged onto the streets. This Fiscal Strategy Statement is about ensuring that era does not return and restoring fiscal discipline.

¶ 02 Protecting taxpayers’ money—revenue entrusted to the Treasury—is a responsibility of the President and of all of us here. This debate is not only words; within a short time, the NPP Government has shown by action that it is a Government that implements.

¶ 03 We passed the Proceeds of Crime law as a preliminary step to ensure that those who looted public wealth—politicians and officials—face justice. You would also have noticed that, of late, the law is functioning properly: those responsible for crimes and financial loss to the State are being brought before justice. The group that brought in substandard drugs is being arrested family by family. MPs who cannot explain how they made Rs. 1.5 billion in two years are now being taken in. Major scandals like the MiG deal are being investigated further.

¶ 04 The future will be difficult for corrupt politicians. Someone claimed the Statement lacks vision. I say: the forward vision is clearly set out across 34 pages. What he finds unclear is only what happens to his father, elder, uncle, or brother. Our vision is clear; judge ours in due course.

¶ 05 As investigations proceed, those who once barked like dogs and jackals on political stages now, forgetting all differences, are uniting with a single motive: to claw back control of local authorities where the NPP has won. Yesterday I saw a report that in Kalutara, an MP had locked up victorious councillors in their houses. Regardless, the NPP has already secured majorities in most local bodies.

¶ 06 This Statement also sets out how to realize our medium-term economic measures. Already, by June 19, revenue targets were exceeded: Inland Revenue at 101%, Excise at 104%, and Customs at 106%. We remember how previous governments, unable to pay salaries and meet recurrent expenses, took bank overdrafts to pay public servants—salaries were uncertain. Now the same people who destroyed the economy cry crocodile tears for public servants. Within a short time, we have established a local cash buffer to ensure salaries and allowances can be paid even during instability, building confidence among public servants, investors, and businesses, and reducing the risk of another default.

¶ 07 FDI has significantly increased. As the Deputy Minister noted, BOI has approved around USD 129 million in new projects and USD 521 million in expansions. Despite Opposition claims, investors are not fleeing.

¶ 08 Hon. Ravi Karunanayake claimed Star Garments in Katunayake closed due to President Trump’s tariffs. That is false. NEXT made staffing adjustments on May 19; the decision predated this Government. Data shows continued employment there; workforce reduction was not due to current Government policy.

¶ 09 The Opposition manufactures lies to undermine public confidence and deter investors, thereby attacking the people’s economic prospects, not merely the Government. Remember: their propaganda is a blow to the people.

¶ 10 The Government is facilitating affordable commuter buses, modernizing rail and roads, and doing so with fiscal discipline. As a Minister said, this Parliament includes Government MPs who have not stolen a single rupee—benefits are now reaching the people. Japanese investment around the airport is resuming. Private sector credit has risen by over 16%, reflecting confidence.

¶ 11 Through this Statement we aim to entrench fiscal discipline, good governance, and risk management. It sets out a five-year commitment on how taxpayers’ money will be planned and used. Therefore, there is no room for baseless arguments. This is a step toward delivering on promises, stabilizing the economy, and moving toward “a prosperous country and a beautiful life.” Thank you.