The Hon. Anura Kumara Dissanayaka

¶ 01 In my view, the election comes before that.

¶ 02 17. Sri Lankans overseas

¶ 03 Migrant workers contribute crucially through remittances and by bringing back skills. We are exploring incentives and rewards. As a first step, we propose to increase the duty‑free allowance at the airport for returning migrant workers. Detailed eligibility criteria and slabs will be finalized after study and published.

¶ 04 18. Special deposit interest scheme for senior citizens

¶ 05 We propose a special interest scheme for those aged 60 and above: an additional 3 percent per annum over prevailing market rates on fixed deposits up to Rs. 1 million for one year. For example, on Rs. 1 million, that is an extra Rs. 30,000 a year (about Rs. 2,500 a month). We allocate Rs. 15,000 million to fund this from July 2025.

¶ 06 19. Toward a society free of drugs

¶ 07 Drug abuse is a major social issue. Beyond punitive approaches, we will implement comprehensive programs—awareness, counseling, rehabilitation, community empowerment, reintegration, and law enforcement. We propose Rs. 500 million to implement this broad program, addressing not only the supply chain (policing) but also reducing demand through rehabilitation and support.

¶ 08 20. Skills development for convicted prisoners

¶ 09 There are 37 prisons with about 30,000 inmates; around one-third are convicts, the rest on remand. Over 65 percent are under 40—prime working age. We will partner with TVET institutions to provide employable skills courses with recognized qualifications. Existing funding from the Ministry of Vocational Training will be increased by Rs. 100 million.

¶ 10 21. Modernizing public transport

¶ 11 We will modernize both bus and rail systems to meet rising urban and peri‑urban demand.

¶ 12 Buses: As a pilot, we will deploy 100 modern, comfortable low‑floor buses along three primary corridors into Colombo (effectively four access routes: Kotte–Colombo, Moratuwa–Colombo, Kaduwela–Colombo, and Gampaha–Colombo), allocating Rs. 3,000 million. Additionally, the SLTB will deploy 200 low‑floor buses from its own funds. These will operate under a new “Metro Bus” company with fully digital operations, not within existing legacy setups.

¶ 13 Rail: We will refurbish old passenger coaches to enhance safety, comfort, and speed—allocating Rs. 500 million. We also allocate Rs. 250 million to commence local manufacturing of new passenger coaches. We will plan the extension of the Kelani Valley Line beyond Avissawella—conducting studies, resettlement planning, and preliminary works with Rs. 250 million.

¶ 14 We will implement integrated timetables on all routes between SLTB and private buses after consultations with stakeholders. The Government will continue investing in the Kandy Multimodal Transport Terminal due to its regional importance.

¶ 15 Rail for agricultural freight: To reduce cost, post‑harvest loss, road congestion, and environmental impact, we will explore a dedicated rail-based freight service from production hubs to destinations. As a pilot, we will study moving agri‑produce from Thambuttegama—selected due to unique co‑location of an economic center and rail station—and allocate Rs. 100 million for feasibility and initial works, including upgrading station storage and loading facilities.

¶ 16 SriLankan Airlines’ legacy debt servicing: Attempts to privatize have failed. The Treasury will allocate Rs. 10,000 million for principal repayment and Rs. 10,000 million for interest in 2025—Rs. 20,000 million total—to settle longstanding bank debts under signed agreements. However, the Treasury will not fund daily operations; the airline must ensure operational profitability through a new medium‑term strategy. Only after stabilizing finances and operations will we consider leasing or acquiring additional aircraft.

¶ 17 Road infrastructure: In addition to Rs. 26,680 million already allocated for rural roads, we propose Rs. 3,000 million more to improve and rehabilitate roads connecting underdeveloped villages, tourism destinations, industrial zones, and economically important areas. We also allocate Rs. 1,000 million, in addition to existing funds, to rehabilitate rural bridges to ensure safe and reliable access for all.

¶ 18 Northern Province rural roads and bridges: Recognizing historical neglect and high potential, we allocate Rs. 5,000 million to rehabilitate and improve rural roads and bridges in the Northern Province—based on provincial capacity to utilize within the year.

¶ 19 Mullaitivu Vaddduvakal Bridge: On the Mullaitivu–Puthukudiyiruppu–Jaffna route, a narrow, dilapidated bridge at the Nandikadal lagoon entrance endangers passengers. We allocate Rs. 1,000 million in 2025 to commence construction of the Vaddduvakal Bridge.

¶ 20 22. Regional development

¶ 21 We will implement a decentralized budget program in 2025 focused on building a production economy. Not for those who lobby secretly, but through transparent lists and district mechanisms. We allocate Rs. 10 million per MP for 2025. Of the Rs. 11,250 million already provided to reduce regional disparities, Rs. 2,250 million will be routed here, and Rs. 9,000 million reserved for essential development—channeled via District Development Committees to implement projects based on proposals, regardless of name or party color—focusing on the project’s merit.

¶ 22 23. District Development Program

¶ 23 Despite large annual budgetary outlays, many districts still face unresolved, district‑specific issues—in infrastructure, local production, service delivery, trade and marketing, and institutional strengthening. Addressing these will catalyze private investment and uplift local livelihoods. Therefore, we allocate an additional Rs. 2,000 million in 2025 for district‑level emerging needs—creating a contingency to address smaller but urgent issues arising through District Coordinating Committees without deferring to next year.

¶ 24 24. Eastern Province development

¶ 25 The Eastern Province has significant potential. With Indian multi‑sector grant support, we will implement a comprehensive development program focusing on education, health, agriculture, fisheries, tourism, and community empowerment. Agreements have been reached with the Government of India.

¶ 26 25. Uplifting the lives of the “Malaiyaha” Tamil community

¶ 27 The Malaiyaha Tamil community, an integral part of our nation, has long faced hardship and lives below dignified standards. We allocate Rs. 7,583 million in the Budget for: 1) Estate housing and infrastructure development – Rs. 4,267 million. 2) Youth vocational training, livelihood development, and infrastructure – Rs. 2,450 million. 3) Modern/friendly classrooms for schools – Rs. 866 million.

¶ 28 26. Industrial development

¶ 29 Industry is vital for jobs, incomes, innovation, and exports. We propose: - A dedicated chemicals industrial zone at Paranthan (including acids/alkalis) to add value to mineral resources and supply essential inputs domestically. - Revive and develop stalled industrial zones/techno parks at Kankesanthurai, Mankulam, Iranavila, Trincomalee, and the partially developed Kurunegala and Galle parks—allocating Rs. 500 million. Some projects are stalled with bank loans and no accountable ownership; we will regularize governance and complete them.

¶ 30 Motor vehicles and rubber components: To meet demand for components and build export‑competitive, value‑added local production and assembly, we will establish a dedicated industrial park for motor vehicle components and rubber products.