The Hon. Lieutenant Commander (Rtd.) Prageeth Madhuranga

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees, first, a response to Hon. Chanaka Madugoda regarding the Rs. 100 million feasibility allocation for Thambuttegama Railway Station. That station is adjacent to an economic center. The purpose is a feasibility study for transporting agricultural produce by rail. The Thambuttegama Economic Center is a hub for farm goods. Transporting by highway causes significant post-harvest losses; rail can reduce this, lower prices, and ease congestion. The funds are for a SWOT-based feasibility on rail freight of agri-produce nationwide.

¶ 02 On the recent High Court incident some cited as a national security issue: did we think about national security when intelligence units were arbitrarily relocated from their established posts in the past? At times, for personal reasons, military/police officers moved to cities to serve non-core functions—like “cheer parties” for rugby matches of VIPs’ sons, or “canal parties” to clear drains. Did that not harm morale and security? This incident relates to public security; suspects have been arrested. Such events occur even in developed countries by individuals under mental stress. National security is not compromised, and the NPP government will not allow that.

¶ 03 This budget allocates Rs. 404 billion for national security. Some say it is “low,” but that is because we have reduced wasteful spending—PSD/MSD deployments to guard individual mansions, estates, cut coconuts, bathe dogs, etc. Read the 2025 Budget Estimates: funds are provided, including for two Y‑12 light transport aircraft and procurement of U.S.-made patrol craft. National security is intact; the reduction reflects cutting past abuse.

¶ 04 Poverty: in 2016 poverty was about 40% during crisis periods; crisis-driven poverty rose to 25.9% by 2023 among debt-distressed countries. With sound fiscal and debt management, strong social safety nets, entrepreneurship support, anti-corruption measures, and public–private partnerships, we aim for a positive growth rate around 5%.

¶ 05 For those driven into poverty by the crisis, Rs. 232.5 billion is allocated for social protection in 2025. The “Aswesuma” benefit for the “poor” category rises from Rs. 8,500 to Rs. 10,000; for “extreme poor” from Rs. 15,000 to Rs. 17,500 from January 2025. But beyond handouts, we must empower: if, for example, a small poultry farmer fell into poverty, provide seed capital to restart. Rs. 500 million is allocated for social empowerment. Transitional payments for those not in “extreme poor” but previously transitional poor are extended to 30 April 2025; and another window opens for eligible households to enroll by May 2025.

¶ 06 Health and education underpin a productive workforce. Rs. 604 billion is allocated to health and Rs. 619 billion to education. While results are not immediate, within 5–10 years this will yield a stronger workforce.

¶ 07 FDI: Sri Lanka lagged due to corruption, commissions, and rent-seeking. With a corruption-free government focused on a production economy, we can attract FDI. The international community recognizes this administration as free of fraud and abuse.

¶ 08 Finally, we will build a prosperous, beautiful country where citizens need not leave to find a better life. This is a constructive budget. Thank you.