The Hon. Chithral Fernando, Attorney-at-Law

¶ 01 Madam Presiding Member, I am pleased to speak today on the expenditure heads of the President, the Prime Minister’s Office, Parliament, and other special spending units.

¶ 02 When discussing the President’s expenditure head, I recall the Budget presented in March this year. The main rallying cry then was reducing the President’s expenses. For about a month we heard great praise about halving those expenses. But now that the head has been tripled, that noise has gone quiet, with various justifications being offered.

¶ 03 Funds are allocated under various programmes such as “Clean Sri Lanka” and others. Previously too, Presidents allocated funds under programme headings. But they were still presented transparently as presidential expenses. Today this has changed. Regardless, note this: the President’s head has been increased by Rs. 2,258 million. No one speaks of that increase; I regret that. No earlier President increased it threefold in this way.

¶ 04 Looking at the Prime Minister’s recurrent expenditure, it appears reduced. Does that mean the Prime Minister has been sidelined, kept idle here, or that everything has been centralized under the President? We want answers.

¶ 05 My colleague Hon. Samanmali Gunasingha spoke about security. We have never said security is unnecessary. A nation has one President and one Prime Minister; their protection is essential, tantamount to protecting the State. We have never opposed that. But some who once said the Presidential Security Division would be marched to Galle Face, hold a parade and be sent home before assuming office, now look down in silence. They said then, “From whom do we need protection? The people protect us.” Today they rely on the same robust security, even “black-clad” units they once derided. We do not object; proceed if needed.

¶ 06 On 05 July 2024, I saw a rally styled “Farmers’ Power Builds Maalimawa.” There it was said, “As President, I will cut expenses by 90%.” Yet now the President’s head is tripled. We merely highlight the gap between words and deeds. Don’t keep repeating talking points on vehicles and security; those fall back on you. We never said don’t take them. You themselves said you wouldn’t—and now you do.

¶ 07 This show began when Gotabaya Rajapaksa arrived in one vehicle. Portraying simplicity is fine, but one must still run the State machine. Increase security if needed; no issue. But accept the expenses have risen.

¶ 08 Regarding the Presidential Media Division, it appears run like a secret police unit. When information is sought under the RTI Act about its staff, the response is that disclosure would harm national security or privacy. Then even the staff identities of the country’s foremost office are hidden. Why? Is something untoward happening, such as a State-funded social media mud unit? Is there a cadre set up from “Pelawatte”? If so, say so—or disclose the basic details: posts, names, appointment dates, salaries, allowances, vehicles, fuel, and personal staff. The refusal raises serious suspicion.

¶ 09 A good proposal in this Budget is broadband vouchers for low-income students. That’s positive. But we will watch closely to ensure Government funds aren’t used at village level to build partisan “mud units” by handing out routers and vouchers under the guise of welfare.

¶ 10 On Aswesuma, the President said clearly that benefits must go to those who truly need them, and that the economy’s gains should reach the most vulnerable. Yet a State Minister told people, “Aren’t you ashamed to take Aswesuma, like beggars?” That is a double standard. Beneficiaries have dignity; such remarks are uncalled for. Meanwhile Rs. 25 billion has been allocated to the “Praja Shakthi” programme. After the Rs. 110 billion for public sector salaries, this is the next largest item. The circular shows it can be used for political work at village level using public funds. Don’t do that.

¶ 11 Regarding Aswesuma errors, the Finance Commission officials admitted inclusion–exclusion errors last year. I don’t think corrective action has yet been taken. People with vehicles and good houses get benefits, while truly needy families do not. Please eliminate that margin of error.

¶ 12 On Parliament staff, I thank the canteen and service staff for their work. The Speaker made a remark about “cockroach pathways,” which then made it to newspapers, causing those staff unnecessary hardship. I personally visited the kitchen. The main issue is lack of modern equipment and utensils; the staff are capable and diligent. Provide the facilities first—then look for faults. Police officers regularly test food; they have reported no issues.

¶ 13 To an interjection: “Secretary to the Speaker.” I don’t know—this is precisely the problem.

¶ 14 There is also the long-standing matter of the vacation-leave allowance for Parliamentary staff. Their hours are atypical; they work until sittings end, sometimes past 10 p.m., and buses depart half an hour later. Leave processes are stringent; they must work at least 18 days a month and justify absences on sitting days. Please resolve the allowance fairly.

¶ 15 For the Administration Service cadre in Parliament—about 150 officers—entry requires a degree and an English interview, with annual appraisals. After five years they must pass a threshold exam on the Constitution, Establishments Code, Parliamentary procedures and privileges, and Financial Regulations. Despite this demanding regime, their salary scales have not been adjusted. Today, a new O/L recruit’s basic pay equals a graduate administrator’s basic after 14 years. Rectify these scales.

¶ 16 Parliament staff insurance has been shifted from Agrahara to a private scheme, doubling contributions while reducing benefits. The Rs. 1,000,000 serious-illness cover has fallen to Rs. 750,000. While the President’s own insurance cut is his choice, please restore adequate cover for staff.

¶ 17 Finally, on insults toward women. While it is good that a Women’s Commission is being discussed and there are around 22 women MPs today, please be consistent. When Opposition women members face harassment, speak out as you do for Government-side members. In my district, at the Aratchikattuwa Pradeshiya Sabha, the Chairman allegedly addressed the youngest woman member—younger than his own daughter—with offensive remarks. Hon. Samanmali Gunasingha knows about this. Please take action and make a statement. Women’s emancipation must be upheld across the aisle.