The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya - Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Speaker, had we, government and opposition alike, set aside divisions and listened carefully to the President’s Budget for 2026, we would have seen that behind the proposals and statistics lies a crucial story: how proper planning, policy and legal frameworks, targeted leadership, sequencing, fiscal discipline, and political will can deliver results and national development.

¶ 02 This is our Government’s second Budget. Our first, presented in April 2025, covered the period ahead from that month. We assumed office at a time of severe crisis, when public expectations of how long recovery would take were low. The statistics presented yesterday largely cover April–September; the 2025 Budget effectively spans nine months, with complete outturns known only by December 31. Even so, we have seen significant progress over the last six months.

¶ 03 This is not merely about spending progress but about stabilizing the country with fiscal discipline and sound governance. That is what the President demonstrated. We should acknowledge this beyond partisanship while pointing out shortcomings.

¶ 04 Already, in the past six months, over 50 percent of planned spending has been executed; by December 31, we expect considerably more, given procurement cycles that typically conclude around September–October and projects mobilizing from October–November. A more accurate picture of 2025 execution will thus be visible shortly.

¶ 05 How did we get here? Even the Opposition now says the Treasury is flush and we achieved a 2.3 percent primary surplus—debate its merits, but the target was exceeded. Fiscal discipline has been maintained. None of this is accidental; it stems from committed leadership and a coherent vision.

¶ 06 We have not packed the administration with new appointees or shifted staff around for political reasons. Our supporters sometimes faulted us for that. But we aimed to prove that with proper leadership, planning, and vision, the existing public service can deliver. Are further improvements needed? Yes. Should efficiency be enhanced? Yes. That is why we implemented a major public sector pay increase and will deliver the second tranche next January, along with improved allowances, with funds provided in this Budget—because we need an efficient, people-centred public service.

¶ 07 This is a process. From January to October 2025 we have seen improvement, and by 2026 we expect further gains. The decisive factors are leadership and a planned development trajectory pursued collectively for the country, not for narrow political ends.

¶ 08 Some in the Opposition seem to know our Manifesto better than we do, quoting page and paragraph. Let me gently remind them it is a five-year plan—indeed, with a longer vision. We never promised to do everything in the first year. We are rebuilding broken institutions, fighting corruption, restoring rule of law, and addressing deep social problems created during the collapse. Our report card should be assessed at the end of five years—by the voters, not just in this Chamber.

¶ 09 Claims that democracy or multi-party systems are in danger are unfounded. Where is democracy at risk when we implement the law without fear or favour? If multi-party democracy is endangered, it is when opposition parties fragment and then amalgamate without programme or principle. We are not in power to target the Opposition but to serve the people. Political culture is changing; people reject the old ways. The Opposition also has a responsibility to adapt and protect multi-party democracy.

¶ 10 This Budget leaves no sector or social group behind. It identifies vulnerable groups and systemic issues, sets out immediate measures and long-term reforms, and explains how to manage a replenished Treasury to share benefits with the people, service debt sustainably, and prevent future crises.

¶ 11 We have paid special attention to the public service: not only higher pay but addressing shortages of equipment and vehicles, and long-pending disparities through a Wage Commission. We will fill 75,000 vacancies—targeted, not as political packages—matching needs and skills with dignity in public employment.

¶ 12 As Minister of Education, I note that from pre-school to higher education, funds have been provided to implement planned reforms from next year. We also granted, for the first time, a long-awaited allowance to teachers and principals, reflecting the value we place on education.

¶ 13 Bringing the Treasury from scarcity to surplus within a year is a major achievement—acknowledged even by those who might otherwise have held the economy portfolio in another administration. The data and outcomes show we are on the right path. Let us focus on delivery and measure our report card at the end of five years. Thank you.