The Hon. Kanchana Welipitiya

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, listening to the Opposition, one might think our Minister and both State Ministers have destroyed the Sports Ministry in just four months. In reality, the damage stems from the very governments those Members represented. Our NPP government was elected to correct these wrongs. Our Minister and two Deputies are working tirelessly, but results cannot be seen in four months. We ask the Opposition to allow reasonable time.

¶ 02 Everyone spoke only about sports; yet this Ministry also covers youth affairs. In this Budget, Rs. 7 million is allocated to identify district-level budding artists and performers. Many rural children with talents lack avenues to develop; the Ministry plans to gather them and relaunch the National School of Drama in 2026.

¶ 03 Rs. 12 million is allocated for domestic youth exchange programmes. Historically, various political groups sowed ethnic nationalism; “Black July” 1983 was engineered for political gain by the then UNP government, which oversaw killings, destruction and harm to Tamil lives and property. Our Socialist Youth League established a “Day of Brotherhood” to promote coexistence among Sinhalese, Tamils, and Muslims. With our government, we will make this a principal task of the Ministry—bringing North, East, South and all people together as Sri Lankans. The Rs. 12 million allocation is a positive step. Our cross-regional unity was reflected in the last Parliamentary election results.

¶ 04 Belwood Aesthetic Resort at Kandy, under NYSC, has deteriorated. Our government will revive it so rural youth can showcase and develop their talents, producing good artists for the country.

¶ 05 Rs. 10 million is allocated for a Youth Film Festival and Rs. 40 million for National Youth Awards—to encourage and elevate the skills of young dramatists and other youth. Alongside sports, significant funds and programmes are set for youth development, to build a generation of patriotic, responsible Sri Lankans by year’s end. Thank you.