Increased allocation to the Ministry of Defence will not ensure peace in the country; MP Sathyalingam

12-Nov-2025

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“Sixteen years have passed since the end of the war. How can the allocation of 10.26 percent of the national budget to the Ministry of Defence be justified? Such a massive allocation will in no way contribute to securing peace or driving economic development in the country,” said P. Sathyalingam, Member of Parliament from the Ilankai Tamil Arasu Katchi.

He stated this during his speech on November 10 on the second day of the debate on the Second Reading of the 2026 Budget in Parliament.

He further said:

“At the time Sri Lanka gained independence, its economic indicators were considered superior to those of many Asian countries, reportedly second only to Japan. But due to flawed political, economic, educational, and social policies adopted by Sri Lanka, the economy and social values declined, ethnic tensions were created, and eventually the nation reached bankruptcy.

At present, through IMF support, taxation measures, reducing wasteful expenditure, and the rise in tourist arrivals, the government has been able to bring the economy to some degree of stability. To sustain this, the government bears the responsibility of maintaining continued strict fiscal discipline. It also has the responsibility of formulating political, economic, and educational policies for rebuilding the country. This is what will determine the country’s future trajectory and serve as the foundation for national reconciliation.

Several important ministries have been overlooked in this budget. Large allocations have not been made to the Ministries of Education, Agriculture, Lands, Irrigation, and others. However, even sixteen years after the end of the war, a disproportionately large sum has been allocated to the Ministry of Defence: 455 million rupees, constituting 10.26 percent of the total budget. I ask how this can be justified. I emphasise that this allocation will not contribute in any way towards peace or economic development.

Meanwhile, ministries essential for human resource development – the Ministry of Women and Children and the Ministry of Social Empowerment – have been given only minimal funds, which is distressing. Merely making allocations and spending money will not create change. Future plans must be structured in a way that allows the impact of this expenditure to be measured.”