Funds Allocated to Solve Estate Workers’ Problems – Minister Upali Bannilage

13-Nov-2025

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The issue of estate workers’ wages has long been used merely as a political topic. Without any protest, the wages of estate workers have now been increased. The problems of estate communities cannot be confined to daily wages alone; funds have been allocated to resolve their other basic and infrastructural problems, said Minister of Rural Development and Social Security Upali Bannilage.

He made these remarks while speaking during the third day of debate on the Second Reading of the 2026 Budget, held in Parliament on November 11.

He further stated that he was disappointed that the opposition needed an explanation of the main objectives of the Budget. Opposition members have only brought narrow political allegations.

He said that the President did not present the Budget ignoring the welfare of the grassroots people. During previous administrations, 78 budgets had been presented, yet if those had focused on the middle class, both people’s living standards and the nation would have developed.

He added that the government did not want to deceive people with short-term relief, but to pursue sustainable economic goals. Accordingly, the 2026 Budget has been prepared based on long-term macroeconomic objectives, with six major programmes proposed.

He further noted that plans are underway to uplift economically affected people through productive employment rather than temporary relief, and that welfare and social security payments would be distributed more equitably.

Measures have been taken to improve the living standards of estate communities. “We have not neglected any sector,” he said, adding that the Budget proposals will be implemented effectively and that the economy will be managed responsibly to ensure repayment of government debts.