The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law – Minister of Justice and National Integration

¶ 01 Yes, look at what happened to the Opposition MP—she complained after the estate workers’ wage increase, and later her own Leader politically lifted her up and slammed her down. Anyway, that’s their issue. Having such an Opposition makes it easier for us.

¶ 02 Before I begin, let me clarify: it has been said that we are disabling Independent Commissions. I do not know what imaginary platform the Opposition uses to say this. None of our speakers said so, nor is it the party’s position. As to whether we are contradicting pre-election statements, I will clarify that too.

¶ 03 MP Dayasiri Jayasekara is not here now; I will not strongly criticize him. But I must say this: today he said the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) unfairly dismissed judges without proper inquiry and opportunity. I told him then as well: under Article 111C(1) of the Constitution, the JSC is an independent body. Interference—direct or indirect—with its decisions is a criminal offence punishable with up to three years’ imprisonment. Yet, hiding behind parliamentary privilege, he interfered with the JSC and insulted the Chief Justice—as is clear in Hansard. As a lawyer, he should know better. His problem is he forgets whether he spoke when in Government or in Opposition; he changes sides and loses track. I will leave it there.

¶ 04 On the actions of the JSC: in respect of High Court Judges—1 interdiction; 2 retirements; for judicial officers—8 interdictions; 3 retirements; 7 probation terminations; 4 dismissals; 18 resignations; 38 deemed to have vacated post; 18 sent on compulsory leave; 1 Chairman of a quasi-judicial body retired. All were decisions given after fair inquiry in accordance with the law. Casting doubt without basis is malicious and should not be done.

¶ 05 Some say they cannot see what “Clean Sri Lanka” is doing. That is a comprehension issue. Clean Sri Lanka is not only cleaning roads and drains. It includes eradicating drugs and curbing illicit liquor. The Chief Justice, in a sense, is part of Clean Sri Lanka. Never before has discipline among judicial officers been enforced to this extent by a JSC. Earlier, some complaints existed but were not pursued. Clean Sri Lanka is about changing mindsets. Still, the JSC acts independently; the Government neither has a right nor the ability to interfere; and we do not.

¶ 06 On the Budget: throughout, we present a concept—fiscal discipline, transparency, and accountability. A Budget is not mere statistics. Economic development means improving people’s lives and happiness; not just juggling numbers. We make Budgets to carry forward into the next year. Our first challenge was to stabilize the economy and people’s lives. We inherited a country at the brink of another economic precipice—bankrupt, with no gas or fuel queues resolved then. We first stabilized the economy. Did we succeed? Yes. On 9 September 2025, the World Bank said Sri Lanka has made remarkable progress stabilizing the economy and implemented one of the largest fiscal consolidations in its history—about 8% of GDP over three years—rapid and sharp by international standards compared to 330 similar efforts in 123 countries since 1980. The latest public finance review notes Sri Lanka is now well positioned by focusing on better public finance management. This reflects our fiscal discipline and the President’s vision and commitment.

¶ 07 Our international ratings have improved; officially, we are no longer “in default.” Fitch, Moody’s, and S&P have lifted us somewhat. In one year, this is fiscal discipline.

¶ 08 Some results are immediately visible—curbing corruption, perks, and backup vehicles. Others take time—investments need policy, mechanisms, and investor confidence. Hence the President has brought necessary laws and orders. Investment will drive growth. We have begun this, but it takes time to be felt. Meanwhile, detractors spread lies to scare away investors; they have not succeeded—we keep moving forward.

¶ 09 Growth was 4.1% in Q2 2024 and sustained near 5% over a year. This year we reduced the deficit between revenue and expenditure, lowering borrowing needs and hence interest costs next year. We recorded the lowest Budget deficit and as a share of GDP in recent years. Usually, Governments collect less than 85% of projected revenue. But in 2025, against a projected Rs. 4.9 trillion, the revised estimate is Rs. 5.2 trillion—exceeding the target. In 2019, projection Rs. 2.3 trillion, actual Rs. 1.88 (–0.5). 2020: 1.58 vs 1.3 (–0.2). 2021: (–0.5). 2022: (–0.2). In 2025: 4.9 projected, 5.28 revised (+0.3). This cannot be achieved through theft or chaos; it requires fiscal discipline, dedication, and will—demonstrated under the President’s Head.

¶ 10 Some claim we are increasing the President’s Head to waste. No—unlike earlier when such funds were used for personal foreign jaunts—today we fund development and reconstruction.

¶ 11 For example, from the Presidential Fund in 2013: Rs. 65,000 to purchase offerings for a monk; on 9 April 2014, Rs. 666,000 for a pirith ceremony and Avurudu event at Namal Rajapaksa’s Carlton House in Tangalle. This is how they spent. We do not. Shiranthi Rajapaksa spent Rs. 9,270 from the Fund to laminate and frame her own photos from a 2008 China tour; in 2014, Rs. 356,000 for atapirikara for monks—from the Fund. In short, they did “merit” with public money. We do not increase the Fund to waste; those were the past misuses.

¶ 12 Additionally, the primary surplus projected at Rs. 750 billion has been revised to Rs. 1,202 billion in 2025—the highest positive primary surplus in recent history after years of deficits from 2019–2023. Borrowing needs are lower than estimated; no supplementary estimates—an entire year without them. FDI is USD 827 million. Customs recorded its highest-ever daily collection of Rs. 2,770 million on 6 November. By 30 October 2025, an institution reported Rs. 200 billion—the highest-ever revenue by a single entity. The Sri Lanka Ports Authority recorded Rs. 32.2 billion net profit in the first eight months of 2025, up 71% from Rs. 18.9 billion in 2024. Are we doing nothing? Clearly not. Today, people protest not the Government but the Opposition.