Opposition accuses NPP of following previous Govt.’s economic programme

Today was the first day of the seven-day debate on the Second Reading of Budget 2025. The debate will continue until February 25, with a vote on the Second Reading scheduled for 6.00pm on that date. 

Opening the debate, Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) Colombo District MP Harsha De Silva argued that the "system change" that people expected so eagerly was nowhere to be found in President Anura Kumara Dissanayake's budget speech.

He pointed out that the National People's Power's (NPP) election manifesto - 'A Thriving Nation, A Beautiful Life,' criticises what it calls the "destructive economic policies adopted by rulers who ruled the country after Independence." Yet, except for a few minor adjustments, the budget President Dissanayake presented yesterday was the same programme that former President Ranil Wickremesinghe started implementing in 2022. He charged that the President's speech did not present a new economic model, as the NPP claimed it would. 

Deputy Minister of Labour Mahinda Jayasinghe however, claimed Budget 2025 was "historic" for many reasons. He said the budget is designed to eradicate rural poverty and drive the country towards a production economy and a digital economy. 

The deputy minister also pointed out that this was the first time that the basic salaries of public servants were increased after nine years, and outlined how salaries will be increased from the most minor staff member of the public service to those holding the highest rank.