The Hon. Lasith Bhashana Gamage

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, normally a Budget Speech sets the path the country expects to travel in that year—its economic, social and cultural vision.

¶ 02 Some in the Opposition found yesterday’s Budget hard to hear, because it hit hard. Some tried to rush out saying time was long; some left. In earlier Budgets, they spoke of reducing prices of potatoes, onions, dhal—that is not what a Budget is. Our first Budget was followed eight months later by this second. The 2026 economic vision was set out clearly.

¶ 03 We bring this Budget eight months after the first. Some in the Opposition say we have done little; that the Treasury is at zero; nothing has happened. Some claims are false; some have reasons—like disruptions in the public service. This Budget proposes solutions. For example, in Gampaha District’s Gampaha DSD, over Rs. 800 million was allocated by the Ministry of Public Administration and Provincial Councils for 2025, yet we lacked technical officers and proper officials in local authorities and DS offices to implement. We had to supervise one by one, sometimes under pressure, sometimes through makeshift means. Therefore, this Budget proposes recruitment to the public service, rehabilitation of abandoned buildings, completing half-built structures, and providing necessary vehicles. In Gampaha’s Provincial Irrigation Department, there are only five technical officers; the district has one vehicle. How can we run the 9R industry? Hence, vehicles are proposed, and digitalization strengthened. This is the first Government in our history to create a Digital Ministry, which has presented plans for 2026.

¶ 04 About officials: one Member said your own officials could cause you trouble. We know: many officials work with great dedication; some do not. There was a culture of getting postings with “ellos” and feet up; some try to drag by the foot. We have identified them and will act accordingly.

¶ 05 On wildlife: Hon. Harsha de Silva spoke of the V4R App; perhaps he has not seen the documents. Funds are allocated this year and next. Vocational training and apprenticeships are to be doubled—all for youth.

¶ 06 On agriculture enterprises: Rs. 500 million was said to be unspent in 2025—false. Of that Rs. 500 million, 100% as concessional loans can be provided; we are delivering it.

¶ 07 On poverty: Hon. Kabir Hashim claimed poverty rose in 2025—false. It is lower than in 2024. Which source? World Bank data shows it declining.