The Hon. (Mrs.) M.A.C.S. Chathuri Gangani

¶ 01 Mr. Speaker, my duty today is to second the Adjournment Motion. When we took office in 2024, the country was collapsed across the economic, political and social spheres. Our first challenge was to restore economic stability. Within a year, across sectors, we achieved indicators beyond expectations. We stabilized the economy better than anticipated: we brought the 2025 deficit down to a low level of 2.4 percent; increased the current account surplus by USD 1.8 billion; and raised total revenue to 17.5 percent of GDP.

¶ 02 Our first Budget—presented within five months of assuming office in a fallen country—advanced stability and delivered benefits to the public. Our second Budget for 2026 further uplifted lives with multiple measures.

¶ 03 When we were navigating a cautious path of stabilization and development, the unexpected cyclonic storm “Ditva” struck in November 2025—one of the worst natural disasters in our country. Many precious lives were lost. While we could not bring back lives, as a Government we took strong decisions to rebuild livelihoods, restore infrastructure and manage the disaster’s impact. We have been doing so effectively.

¶ 04 Now, a global war climate is bringing new pressures—fuel, gas and electricity concerns and price rises. Unlike in 2022–2023, today’s energy price increases are not driven by the US dollar’s surge alone. Presently, global oil prices and premiums have risen due to war conditions, affecting the market directly. Many non-oil-producing countries face increases of 5–10 percent. Relative to others, we have limited our domestic increase to about 8 percent and managed carefully. We have not passed the full burden to consumers.

¶ 05 We have introduced a Rs. 100 billion relief package, as the President stated yesterday: - Rs. 1,500 support for electricity consumers using under 90 units, - Rs. 6,000 million for three months of fuel support for the fisheries sector and Rs. 150,000 per multi-day vessel once, - increased fertilizer support for Yala paddy to Rs. 30,000 and for other crops by Rs. 18,000, - a fixed price of Rs. 10,200 for 50 kg of urea, - a one-time Rs. 5,000 grant to small tea holders.

¶ 06 For the most vulnerable: - Aswesuma benefits increased by Rs. 7,500 for the extreme poor group, Rs. 5,000 for the next group, and Rs. 2,500 for the transitional group.

¶ 07 Despite global crisis conditions, we assure uninterrupted supplies of fuel, gas and essentials during this festive season. The Operations Committee on Supply Chains and the Economy is working continuously to maintain balance. Across the public service, foreign affairs, and security, efforts are underway to safeguard the nation and the people. We are managing this better than many countries. I invite the Opposition and the public to join collectively to overcome the global situation. I support the timely Motion and conclude.

¶ 08 Thank you.