President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, in his capacity as Minister of Finance, commenced the presentation of the government’s maiden 2025 budget at 10:30 a.m.

Addressing Parliament, the President attributed the country’s ongoing crisis to corrupt governance, failed economic policies, and irresponsible leadership. He emphasized that these factors had led to dire consequences, including people losing their lives while waiting in queues.

He further stated that the economic crisis of 2022 had left the country’s most vulnerable populations in a state of extreme hardship.

  • The previous distorted governance did not fulfill the aspirations of the people.

  • The postponement of provincial elections also shattered the public’s desire for democracy.

  • The people established a new government with new expectations.

  • This budget, which aims to establish a social and economic foundation, is historic.

  • We have succeeded in stabilizing the economy, building strong international relations, and gaining investor confidence.

  • We have managed to maintain the foreign exchange reserves at a level of USD 6.1 billion.

  • Our economic policy is one we’ve crafted ourselves, and economic independence must be achieved.

  • In the future, we are building a strong economy that will allow us to begin repaying debts by 2028.

  • Due to the decrease in the people’s basic salaries, fair salary increases should be provided.

  • Protecting citizens is the responsibility of a humane government.

  • We must create a pathway to uplift the lives of all members of society.

  • A small group had centralized a large portion of the economy.

  • A large-scale democratic approach to the economy is required.

  • At this point, we have succeeded in achieving a certain degree of stability.

  • This budget’s vision is to secure the economic rights of the people.

  • We know how previous administrations misused limited tax funds.

  • We plan to manage limited tax funds with caution and responsibility.

  • All citizens will be involved in the economic process.

  • Funds have been allocated for senior citizen welfare starting in July.

  • Funds for harvest support have been increased.

  • This budget allocates funds for key priorities.

  • Efforts will be made to ensure efficient growth and minimize corruption.

  • Every rupee will be spent in a way that generates economic and social benefits.

  • Four percent of GDP has been allocated for capital expenditure.

  • The benefits of production must be distributed fairly throughout society.

  • This should be achieved with active participation from the people; building the economy in isolation from the people is futile.

  • We will increase production in the agricultural industry, industry, and services.

  • Local enterprises and small- and medium-scale industries will be encouraged.

  • With collective discipline and strong determination, the country will soon see the benefits.

  • Essential goods and services will be provided continuously at reasonable prices, while maintaining quality.

  • The concept of price regulation based on competitive market principles will be implemented in certain sectors.

  • The highest allocation for education and healthcare in history has been made in this budget.

  • We expect a 5% economic growth this year.

  • The anti-corruption process is a key component of our efforts.

  • Digitalizing the economy is essential.

  • We are creating an economic environment that will allow us to repay debt starting in 2028. Do not fear.

  • We will maintain a surplus of two to three decimal places in the primary account.

  • A stable exchange rate system will be established to prevent excessive fluctuations.

  • Empowering the poor is the first step.

  • We expect export income of USD 19 billion this year.

  • Exports will be expanded.

  • A National Export Development Plan will be prepared.

  • We will leverage the current crisis to improve the situation.

  • New tariffs will be designed to create a simple, transparent, and predictable tariff framework aimed at removing barriers to accessing high-quality and affordable raw materials.

  • A new Customs Act will be introduced.

  • The registration of exporters will be automated.

  • We will expand Sri Lanka’s network of free trade agreements.

  • Government-owned lands will be leased for productive economic activities.

  • The Economic Transformation Act will be amended.

  • The Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement will be expanded.

  • A mechanism will be developed to monitor the repatriation of earnings and losses.

  • The public service will be digitized.

  • The ease of doing business in the country will be increased.

  • A draft Bankruptcy Bill will be introduced expeditiously.

  • A new bill on Public-Private Partnerships will be introduced.

  • We are working on a long-term solution to port congestion.

  • A national quality management system is needed for the country. We are allocating Rs. 750 million this year for this purpose.

  • Rs. 500 million will be allocated to improve container management at the port.

  • An inland container yard will be established in Veyangoda.

  • The Sri Lanka Unique Digital Identification (Digital Identity Card) system for all citizens will be completed soon.

  • We are working to increase productivity in the industrial and service sectors.

  • A high-level Digital Economy Authority will be established.

  • Rs. 1,000 million will be allocated for the development of the Colombo Port and Katunayake Airport’s police scanning system.

  • Laws for data protection will be strengthened.

  • The use of currency notes will be phased out. We are strengthening digital payments, and the necessary laws will be progressively enforced.

  • Rs. 3,000 million will be allocated to accelerate the development of the digital economy.

  • The goal is for the digital economy to reach 12% of the national economy.
  • Steps to increase the annual information technology revenue to 5 billion USD.
  • Introduction of a digital ticketing system for the tourism sector.
  • A budget of 500 million rupees allocated for the promotion of the tourism industry.
  • Commencement of the second terminal at Bandaranaike International Airport with Japanese assistance.
  • Establishing small and medium-sized enterprises as a key objective.
  • Starting a development bank.
  • The development bank will be established based on the structure of the existing state banks. State banks have agreed on development credit schemes.
  • Allocation of 10 billion rupees for the commercialization of research and new discoveries.
  • A committee has been appointed to ensure the effective use of public resources set aside for the President and Ministers for the benefit of the public.
  • Establishment of a fund for the commercialization of new discoveries and innovations.
  • Government will auction all luxury vehicles by March.
  • No vehicles or permits for MPs this year.
  • 5 billion rupees allocated for the nutrition program for mothers and children under the Triposha program.
  • 120 million rupees allocated for women empowerment programs.
  • Establishing over 10,000 primary healthcare units.
  • Using digitization to improve health services delivery.
  • 7 billion rupees for the nutrition of pregnant mothers.
  • Human resources and medicines provided by the government for plantation hospitals.
  • 604 billion rupees allocated for health.
  • No further medicine shortages are expected.
  • National program for children with autism, lasting five years.
  • 185 billion rupees allocated for drug supply.
  • 10 billion rupees allocated for improving school infrastructure.
  • Significant increase in the funding for early morning meals in preschools.
  • 100 million rupees allocated to increase allowances for preschool teachers.
  • Increase in student scholarships from 750 to 1500 rupees.
  • Increase in Mahapola scholarships from 5000 to 7500 rupees.
  • All these allowances will be provided starting April 2025.
  • 5 billion rupees allocated for sports development, including sports schools in five provinces.
  • A historical event occurred when libraries were set on fire during elections. The Jaffna library was a major victim. The students and readers of Jaffna and surrounding islands use the Jaffna library.
  • 100 million rupees allocated for providing necessary facilities for Jaffna Library.
  • 200 million rupees allocated for library development in other regions.
  • Revised Electricity Act will be passed soon.
  • Increase in scholarships for Grade 5 students from 750 to 1000 rupees.
  • Offering opportunities for energy investments based on a minimum cost model.
  • Developing 70 oil tanks in Trincomalee with international collaboration.
  • Ensuring sufficient stock of safety reserves.
  • 5 billion rupees allocated for rice procurement.
  • Continuous fertilizer assistance provided for rice farmers, with 35 billion rupees allocated.
  • Establishment of an updated data system for agricultural decision-making.
  • Amendments to the Rice Marketing Act.
  • 500 million rupees allocated for additional funding for the Ministry of Agriculture.
  • 250 million rupees for initial activities to redevelop underutilized land.
  • 2.5 billion rupees to increase milk production and improve value chains.
  • 100 million rupees for developing cooperative mechanisms.
  • 78 billion rupees allocated for the development of irrigation sectors, including improvements to old irrigation systems with 12 billion rupees.
  • Steps taken to increase coconut production, driven by increasing global demand.
  • 500 million rupees allocated for the development of the Northern Coconut Triangle.
  • 16,000 new coconut acres established in the Northern Province.
  • 250 million rupees allocated for Lanka Cinnamon and other products.
  • 200 million rupees allocated for the development of the fisheries industry.
  • Increase in the monthly allowance for kidney patients from 7500 to 10,000 rupees.
  • Increase in elderly allowances from 3000 to 5000 rupees.
  • Social security for orphaned children will be improved.
  • 500 million rupees allocated for the welfare of children in institutional care.
  • Monthly allowance of 5000 rupees for children in orphanages and detention homes.
  • 1 million rupees allocated for constructing permanent homes for displaced children.
  • 100 million rupees for establishing a comprehensive data system for disabled individuals.
  • Providing easy access to employment for rehabilitated individuals.
  • 5 million rupees allocated for disaster compensation for properties damaged in disasters.
  • Compensation of 25 million rupees for damaged property.
  • 10 million rupees allocated for food packages during festive seasons.
  • Increased exemption limits on airport departure taxes for overseas Sri Lankans returning.
  • 15000 million rupees allocated for providing higher interest for senior citizens.
  • 50 million rupees allocated for a program to create a crime-free society.
  • A skills development program for convicted prisoners.
  • Developing the public transportation system, introducing a modern fleet of buses as a key project.
  • 3000 million rupees allocated for bus service improvements on main roads in Colombo.
  • Establishing a new bus company under the newly launched bus service.
  • Modernizing railway transport, with 500 million rupees allocated for railway efficiency improvements.
  • 250 million rupees allocated for the establishment of a new railway line across the Kelani river.
  • Developing a plan to settle SriLankan Airlines’ long-standing debt, with 20 billion rupees allocated for clearing the debt.
  • Additional 3000 million rupees allocated for rural road development across the country.
  • 5000 million rupees for rehabilitating bridges in the North.
  • 10 million rupees allocated for each MP for their constituency’s development.
  • Proposals for the economic development of the Eastern Province with Indian government assistance.
  • 232.5 billion rupees allocated for agricultural expansion.
  • A cultural festival will be held for all people to join and celebrate together.
  • 5 billion rupees allocated for the Clean Sri Lanka Project.
  • This program should not be viewed politically.
  • 300 million rupees allocated to reduce human-elephant conflicts.
  • 250 million rupees for compensation for damage caused by elephant-human conflicts.
  • Implementation of a law to address income from crime.
  • National Sri Lankan Day celebrations will be supported with 300 million rupees, featuring a comprehensive cultural program.
  • 10 million rupees for essential maintenance of high-rise buildings due to neglect.
  • Housing projects for artists and journalists, with 180 units to be quickly built.
  • 10 million rupees for ending water shortages and new water supply proposals.
  • No one will be recruited into government service based on political affiliations.
  • A large number of graduates are unemployed.
  • Recruiting 10,000 qualified individuals into necessary positions within the public sector, with 10 billion rupees allocated.
  • Basic salary adjustment in the public sector after a decade, raising the minimum salary to 40,000 rupees.
  • 110 billion rupees allocated for salary increases this year.
  • Private sector salaries are also expected to increase from April, with agreements for increases ranging from 17,000 to 30,000 rupees.
  • Annual salary increment of 250 rupees will rise to 450 rupees.
  • Guaranteed daily wage of 1700 rupees for estate workers.
  • Pension increases for all retirees who retired before January 1, 2020, with a three-phase increment.
  • New regulations for public-private partnerships.
  • We will provide necessary support to officials, and we expect your support for the country.
  • Tax administration will be digitized to enhance transparency.
  • Sri Lanka is moving towards a cashless society as a good step to combat corruption. This decision will impact those accumulating wealth illegally.
  • Institutions generating state revenue will be digitized.
  • Strengthening legal and regulatory frameworks around tax collection.
  • We will ensure fairness in every rupee paid by taxpayers.
  • Measures will be taken to prevent tax evasion and illegal financial practices.
  • Our economy is currently in a challenging position, and we must rebuild it. Therefore, I urge people to study well and contribute.
  • Budget policies are not just my solitary effort but our government’s collective endeavor.
  • Our people have significant representation in parliament, but many of them have practical experience.
  • Together, we are embarking on a long and challenging journey.
  • If bribes are asked from investors, we will show no forgiveness.
  • Those who try to take bribes in the future must be afraid.
  • A society where every person who takes a bribe lives in fear is being created.
  • The current Police Chief has imposed the harshest punishments, especially within the police force itself.
  • The root cause of corruption will be eradicated from the beginning.
  • A prosperous Sri Lanka will enable everyone to fulfill their goals.
  • We invite Sri Lankans living abroad to join us.
  • There will be no more racial conflicts in this country.
  • Religion, ethnicity, or gender will not be factors of division from now on.
  • We will all unite to build the country and respect one another. We are proud to call this beautiful, sacred land our motherland.