In response to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake presenting the Appropriation Bill 2024 in Parliament today (17 February), Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Dr. Harsha de Silva expressed his concerns over what he described as a “neo-liberal programme” in Budget 2025.

He pointed out that the budget embraces economic liberalization—policies that the government has vehemently opposed for the past 40 years. “While I welcome their belated recognition of market reforms, I can’t help but imagine where Sri Lanka could have been if these measures hadn’t been blocked since the 1970s. Better late than never, but at what cost?” de Silva said.

The MP emphasized the irony of the situation, questioning the government’s past stance. “If they say these policies are good now, what have we done for the past 40 years? It’s such a waste. When others were pursuing these reforms, they protested. But now, they are implementing them themselves,” he said.

De Silva also referenced President Dissanayake’s statement on reducing the number of public sector employees, questioning the past opposition to similar measures. “What were they fighting for in the past, if they now agree with these policies?” he asked.