News Today: SLPP MP Namal Rajapaksa criticizes the 2025 budget, claiming it is a replica of former President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s policies.

Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) MP Namal Rajapaksa today accused the Anura Kumara Dissanayake-led government of presenting a budget that mirrors the policies of former President Ranil Wickremesinghe. He claimed that the 2025 budget is a direct replica of the previous regime’s financial plans, rather than a reflection of the National People’s Power (NPP) election manifesto.

SLPP Criticizes Government for Lacking Originality

Speaking in Parliament, Rajapaksa stated:

“I feel as if President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has simply read out a budget prepared by Ranil Wickremesinghe. This financial plan closely follows the economic policies of the former President and does not align with what was promised during the election campaign.”

He further criticized the government for failing to introduce original policies and instead adopting proposals formulated under the previous administration.

Budget Similarities to Wickremesinghe’s Economic Plans

Rajapaksa pointed out that many elements of the 2025 budget—including fiscal policies, economic recovery strategies, and government expenditure allocations—were identical to those previously outlined by Ranil Wickremesinghe.

He questioned:

• Whether the NPP government had an independent economic vision.
• If the current leadership was relying on IMF-driven policies set by the former administration.
• Why major campaign promises were not reflected in the official budget.

Political Reactions & Budget Debate

The opposition and SLPP MPs argue that the 2025 budget lacks innovation and is merely a continuation of past economic strategies. The parliamentary debate on the budget continues, with heated discussions expected in the coming days.

With the Second Reading vote scheduled for February 25th, the SLPP has signaled that they will strongly challenge the budget’s credibility and alignment with NPP’s campaign promises.