Government and Opposition Are ‘Sticks Soaked in the Same Trough’; MP Godeeswaran
15-Nov-2025.
A large allocation has been made to the Ministry of Buddhist Affairs in the budget. The government is acting in a biased manner regarding religions and ethnicities, which must be condemned. Even the Leader of the Opposition gives priority only to Buddhism. All of them are sticks soaked in the same trough, said Tamil National Alliance MP Kavindran Godeeswaran.
He stated this during the fifth day of the second-reading debate of the 2026 Budget on Nvember 13.
He further said:
We view this budget as one prepared according to IMF conditions. Despite the many restrictions, we see it as a budget focused on the country’s economy, development, and investment. Considerable priority has been given to health-sector matters.
In total expenditure, 12.5% has been allocated to the health sector. Of this, 31,000 million rupees has been allocated to 82 base hospitals. Additional funds must be spent for the Thirukkovil Base Hospital.
During last year’s budget, we presented requests regarding buildings and other needs of this hospital. Following a visit to the hospital, the Minister has approved funds for a four-storey building. I express my thanks for this.
A large sum has also been allocated for the transport sector. Many rural roads in Ampara District need renovation. Roads in Aligambai, Thirukkovil, and Navithanveli must be repaired.
Likewise, a significant allocation has been made for the irrigation sector. Integrated irrigation development projects must be undertaken in Ampara District, which produces 20% of the country’s paddy. Strengthening the irrigation system is essential and could increase paddy production by an additional 10%.
However, only 6.1% of the total allocation is for education, whereas developed countries allocate between 10% and 20%. The allocation here is very low. It must be increased. Developed nations invest heavily in innovation and research, but no such funds are allocated in this budget. The government must focus on this.
Meanwhile, the presence of a separate Ministry of Buddhist Affairs within the government is a major flaw. This government claims to be left-leaning and committed to equality between races and religions, yet creates a ministry solely for Buddhism. There is no Hindu, Islamic, or Christian cultural ministry.
Thus, the government acts in a biased manner. Even the Opposition Leader asks what priority is given to Buddhism. This shows that both sides are soaked in the same trough.
Whether in government or opposition, all of you think along religious lines. A separate Buddhist Ministry has been created. No ministries exist for other religions, languages, or ethnicities. In such a situation, if the Opposition Leader asks what priority is being given to Buddhism, then truly all of you are sticks soaked in the same trough, he said.
