The Hon. (Dr.) Sandaruwan Madarasinghe

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees, we know how previous rulers used public funds—as dowries to their families and entourages. The result: every newborn inherits massive debt. Ordinary people paid electricity and water bills and did not steal fuel or bus rides—yet they became debtors. Our country is resource-rich and spared by major natural disasters—yet individuals are indebted while politicians are rich; they dine in five- and seven-star hotels while voters face child and maternal malnutrition; politicians receive the best healthcare here and abroad while voters queue at OPDs; their children attend elite schools and foreign universities while there is a huge rural–urban education divide; they build mansions in four–five years while voters struggle a lifetime to build a house; they ride luxury vehicles while voters cannot buy a small car.

¶ 02 Business cronies around politicians became tycoons, while a voter’s small street stall collapses. Even collecting salaries, people fell into debt. The Supreme Court revealed a former President’s son did not draw salary for years—yet we know their lifestyles. Politicians’ spouses were decked in gold while farmers had to pawn earrings. A vast gap between rulers and voters was created because state funds were used for rulers’ luxury.

¶ 03 For the first time in our history, this budget addresses every social stratum’s needs. Health receives a record Rs. 604 billion. During the pandemic, prior rulers mocked health services with pots in rivers and promoting syrups; they made health professionals and services a joke, and we saw poor-quality drug imports leading to blindness and harming cancer patients—deals through hotels. This government allocates Rs. 185 billion specifically for quality drugs and medical supplies.

¶ 04 We also recognize staff shortages and challenges in health: Rs. 22.4 billion for capacity development; recruitment of about 10,000 trained personnel (nurses, MLTs, paramedics). Salary increases for health workers are provided. In contrast, from 2020 to 2024, prior budgets did not devote even minutes to increasing health sector pay.

¶ 05 We are a bankrupt country and cannot allocate everything in one year. Still, basic salary, extra duty, and holiday allowances are numerically increased, with Rs. 325 billion over 20 months, Rs. 110 billion this year. On extra duty calculations (e.g., 1/80 to 1/60), we are open to improvements in future budgets; work with us to get there.

¶ 06 Education gets a record Rs. 619 billion. There are 10,126 schools; about 3,000 have fewer than 100 students, with stark urban–rural disparities. Rural children’s aspirations are narrow—doctor, engineer, lawyer—without exposure to technology, chess, football. Rs. 500 million is allocated for a national plan to restructure the school system, and Rs. 10,000 million to develop school infrastructure (since 2019 little has been done); parents have been forced to fund basics.

¶ 07 Universities: Rs. 135 billion for quality enhancement; Mahapola stipend increased from Rs. 5,000 to Rs. 7,500. Rs. 10,000 million for recruiting 30,000 graduates to fill essential public sector vacancies, ensuring merit-based recruitment without political interference.

¶ 08 On crime and narcotics-linked underworld issues: I referenced the late Aruna Widanagama’s prior public allegations implicating political figures and an atmosphere of impunity. Such grave matters must be confronted.

¶ 09 We bear the responsibility of uplifting a poor country; we will make the necessary sacrifices and invite all to join in rebuilding. Thank you.