Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) member Johnston Fernando claimed that the government altered the 2026 Budget out of fear of the Opposition rally scheduled for 21 November.

He said the rally is intended to pressure the government to deliver on its promises, and asserted that the mere announcement of the protest had influenced national policy.

“The moment we mentioned the 21st meeting, the entire Budget changed,” Fernando said.

He alleged that the Budget was crafted with the specific intention of discouraging public participation in the 21 November demonstration.

Fernando also highlighted the scale of preparations for the rally, stating that youth groups are organising district-level efforts, including arranging buses for transport.

He added that the government’s anxiety is visible in its conduct, claiming that officials have shifted their focus away from development programmes and now speak only about the 21 November rally when questioned by the media.