The Hon. Chanaka Madugoda

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees, we meet today to discuss the government’s inaugural budget. As the Opposition, we view it with some optimism. We also ask that our criticisms be taken constructively to improve implementation and progress.

¶ 02 On public sector salaries: we appreciate the increase to the basic salary. Whether public servants will feel satisfied will be seen when they receive April salaries.

¶ 03 On private sector workers: the budget proposes a minimum basic of Rs. 27,000, rising to Rs. 30,000 in 2026. Many private sector workers already sit around Rs. 27,000. Is that sufficient?

¶ 04 We recall the previous government worked to raise the daily wage of estate workers to Rs. 2,700, but this budget reflects Rs. 1,300 as the daily rate—will that suffice?

¶ 05 Graduates were a key group who supported you. Are the promises to them reflected? The budget speaks of recruitment for identified sectors, but you promised during the presidential election 20,000 graduates into teaching and 35,000 in customs, ports and other sectors. This is becoming a significant concern socially.

¶ 06 You remember, when the previous government developed Hambantota and built expressways, the current President, then in Opposition, criticized those as “to carry Ambul Thiyal for the Rajapaksas.” Today we welcome funds in the budget for development in the President’s own area, Thambuttegama—Rs. 100 million for a feasibility study to develop the railway station. A President should serve both nation and constituency.

¶ 07 Agriculture: Rs. 500 million is allocated for high-yield coconut planting and land development in the Northern Coconut Triangle—good, and a continuation of a prior initiative. But only Rs. 250 million is set aside for other export crops. Is that enough?

¶ 08 In Galle District I represent around 90,000 small tea holders, and many are engaged in cinnamon. Is the Rs. 250 million adequate for smallholders including cinnamon and other crops?

¶ 09 We welcome enhancements of child allowances, kidney patient support, Grade 5 scholarships, drought relief, elderly assistance—all built on past budgetary measures. You are adding more funds to the welfare programmes introduced by previous governments, which we appreciate.

¶ 10 One more point: Rs. 300 million is allocated for a “Sri Lankan Day.” When Rs. 5,000 million is allocated for your “Clean Sri Lanka” programme, you say it is to create harmony among communities. These two initiatives appear duplicative. At a time we speak of harmony, do not reawaken ethnic division. Instead, address language, administrative and other issues with those funds.

¶ 11 On digitization: we welcome allocations, though we recall that earlier you alleged data would be sent to India. Still, funding digitalization now is good for the future.

¶ 12 On regional allocations: while funds go to North and East, that should not be misinterpreted; we must think nationally. But as Galle’s MP, I note Galle receives little specific allocation. For 15–20 years we have pushed for Phase II of the Greater Galle Water Project; tourists and residents lack water. Funds for MCC Road development, the proposed mixed-use project in central Galle, and strengthening Wakwella Bridge—the longest in Sri Lanka—would be valuable.

¶ 13 On vehicles: we often hear of shifting power from elites to the middle classes. But a Member without a vehicle struggles even to reach Parliament. This is not about personal privilege; think of a future MP from a modest background—how will they function? If a system could bring Members from bus stops to Parliament, it would help. I wish the budget’s positive proposals succeed, and that our people see real relief without added burdens. Thank you.