Bold claims, bigger numbers, and a defence on repeat, the government insists the 2026 budget is a lifeline for the nation, not a luxury plan for MPs.
Deputy Minister of Labour Mahinda Jayasinghe has hit back at critics of the 2026 budget, insisting that President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s proposals offer nationwide relief and a clear development roadmap. Speaking during the second reading debate, he said the budget directly supports small and medium-scale entrepreneurs, with more than Rs 80 billion allocated to uplift the sector and push economic recovery.
Jayasinghe argued that the “shattered economy” has now been stabilised, noting that the budget includes key measures to diversify exports and gradually increase economic growth. He also highlighted the decision to make 9,800 public servants permanent, continuing what he called long-overdue public sector reforms.
According to the Deputy Minister, the government has prioritised essential sectors, allocating Rs 654 billion for health and Rs 704 billion for education the highest in years. He accused the opposition of deliberate misinformation by claiming the budget funds luxury vehicles for MPs, calling it a distortion of facts.
Addressing the controversy over loans, Jayasinghe dismissed the claim that the government promised interest-free loans. He said the policy was always about offering low-interest loans without collateral to support struggling citizens and businesses, not zero-interest lending.
He said the budget was built on a framework of stability, relief, and long-term planning, and that the opposition was “confusing the public for political gain” instead of acknowledging what he described as the first true people-centred budget in years.
Jayasinghe maintained that the budget marks a shift from past failures, arguing that critics are ignoring its core intent to rebuild, empower and expand growth while restoring public services.
