The Hon. Susantha Kumara Nawarathna

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, many Members have expressed views on the 2025 Budget. Our economy, which regressed for years and collapsed, must be stabilized and strengthened again—this Budget is crafted with such foresight. Some Oppositions MPs stood up protesting allocations to certain sectors. Historically, Northern needs were often neglected; this Budget pays special attention there, which is welcome.

¶ 02 Opposition Members speak of people’s suffering. We remember an economic “guru” who said, “If you throw a bitter gourd seed and laze around, you cannot harvest”—insulting farmers. By contrast, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has outlined how to revive our broken agriculture, allocating Rs. 56,000 million.

¶ 03 Key points: - Modernization and technology infusion: Rs. 1,250 million to advance agricultural technology. - Strengthening small-scale agri-enterprises: Rs. 3,470 million. - Small-scale agri start-ups program: Rs. 5,947 million. - Third/mid-season cultivation: Rs. 150 million to promote additional/short-season crops, reducing imports. - National seed production and procurement: Rs. 1,250 million—producing seeds domestically at affordable prices, upgrading seed research, seed farms, and researcher support. - Rapid seed farm development: Rs. 600 million to expand seed production through groups and farmers nationwide.

¶ 04 On livestock: Rs. 26,000 million for 2025 to rebuild the sector. We currently produce about 45% of our milk needs domestically; 55% is imported as milk powder—draining dollars. We will provide technology and facilities to dairy farmers to raise domestic production.

¶ 05 On environment: Clean air is scarce due to diminished forest cover. We will invest to strengthen ecosystems and protect forests.

¶ 06 While some leaders once launched “rockets,” we are empowering village innovators, students, and researchers—giving them space and opportunity—to advance technology and build hope for youth and the nation’s future.

¶ 07 To those in Opposition threatening to walk the “old bridge” of Ranil’s path—we came for system change, not to traverse rejected routes. We will build a productive economy, add new technology, enable new entrepreneurs, and build a healthy society.

¶ 08 On education: remote areas like Medawachchiya, Padaviya, Kebithigollewa, Rambewa face deep inequalities created over years. We are increasing allocations to reform and strengthen education, while addressing issues of youth, fishers, and women across all sectors. Representing 159 MPs, we pledge to secure a contented life for our people.