Thursday Nov 12, 2026

ABOUT US ADVERTISING CONTACT

MENU
Advertisement Advertisement
Advertisement Advertisement
Live Last updated 16:30 Powered by Dialog PLAY

Budget 2027 Live Updates

President and Finance Minister Anura Kumara Dissanayake will unveil Budget 2027 today at 1:30 p.m in Parliament. The NPP Government’s third full Budget, with total spending estimated at Rs. 9.92 trillion, is expected to be investment-oriented, with some relief to ease the impact of tough stabilisation measures of the past two years, climate change, and the Middle East conflict. Follow us for live updates

Thursday, 12 November 2026 00:00 71 updates
Budget 2027 Live Updates
Budget 2027 Live Updates

President and Finance Minister Anura Kumara Dissanayake will unveil Budget 2027 today at 1:30 p.m in Parliament. The NPP Government's third full Budget, with total spending estimated at Rs. 9.92 trillion, is expected to be investment-oriented, with some relief to ease the impact of tough stabilisation measures of the past two years, climate change, and the Middle East conflict. Follow us for live updates

  1. Scaling agriculture: A collective "Yaaya" production approach will be introduced, instead of individual cultivation, for purchasing agricultural inputs in bulk, carrying out pest and disease control jointly, using water resources with maximum efficiency, facing price monopolies in the market and increasing productivity. Allocates Rs. 400 million, as an initial step.
  2. Land Reform: Proposes to give paddy land owners the freedom to use uncultivated or
    low-productivity paddy lands, after they have been identified through an accurate survey, for field crops or permanent crops. Rs. 1,550 million has been allocated to encourage cultivation on these selected lands
  3. Fisheries: Proposes to increase compensation for a fisherman's accidental death on the job is from Rs. 1 million to Rs. 2 million.
  4. Fisheries: Allocates Rs. 1 billion for sustainable fisheries resource management, covering ocean surveys, habitat mapping, stock assessments, monitoring data, laboratory analyses and ecosystem restoration.
  5. Advertisement Advertisement
  6. Fisheries: As pilot projects showed higher harvests, Rs. 250 million is proposed to give fishing communities concessions to popularise cage fish farming in inland reservoirs. In addition, Rs. 300 million is allocated for needs assessments and feasibility studies on selected large-scale fisheries projects
  7. SOE Investments: Proposes Rs. 500 million in equity capital for North Sea Ltd., which makes and repairs net gear, to buy machinery and build a new net manufacturing and repair centre.
    Proposes Rs. 300 million for the Aquaculture Development Centre in Polonthalawa, which handles inland fisheries development.
    Proposes Rs. 200 million in equity capital for the Ceylon Fisheries Corporation to develop its sales outlets.
  8. Capital Markets: Proposes a SME Listing Support Mechanism, to encourage small and medium enterprises, key to the economy and job creation, to list on the stock market.
    The Colombo Stock Exchange will deploy Rs. 250 million for these proposals, with an additional Rs. 500 million proposed
  9. Capital Markets: Under a formal selection procedure, Grade 13 Advanced Level students aged over 18 would receive a share portfolio worth up to Rs. 10,000 to connect them with the market.
  10. Advertisement Advertisement
  11. Capital Markets: Proposes a new program ‘A Share for Everyone” (vision: “Let’s Know, Let’s Learn, Let’s Invest”), as only about 0.7% of Sri Lankans over 18 actively trade on the Colombo Stock Exchange.
  12. Industries Ministry: Rs. 1,860 million to contruct a Narahenpita building to bring Ministry now in Kollupitiya, and all its institutions under one roof.
  13. International Gem and Jewellery Trade Hub: Land to be acquired at a single location for trade, export, laboratory and licensing services. The University of Moratuwa is expected to carry out a preliminary feasibility study.
  14. Proposes to amend the National Gem and Jewellery Authority Act, No. 50 of 1993 to allow licensing of the jewellery industry
  15. Advertisement Advertisement
  16. Kurunchantivu Salt Pan: Idle until now, will be restarted with National Salt Ltd., funds to create jobs in the Northern region. The Treasury has provided Rs. 236 million for 2026 to build access roads and supply services.
  17. Sri Lanka Expo 2026: Rs. 750 million has been allocated for activities including holding "Sri Lanka Expo 2027" in January, and promoting export diversification, competitiveness and high-value exports under the priorities of the National Export Development Plan (NEDP).
  18. Fisheries: Large-scale fisheries entrepreneurs, fish exporters, boat manufacturers and producers of fishing equipment will be eligible for loans of up to Rs. 500 million at an annual interest rate of 5%.
    Allocates Rs. 6,200 million to improve the fisheries industry, including the development of fishery harbours, strengthening new research relating to the fisheries industry at NARA, and promoting the inland fisheries industry.
    Proposes to allocate Rs. 5,000 million for the development of the
    infrastructure required for the fisheries industry in the Northern Province, anchorages and the Pesalai Fishery Harbour.
    Allocates Rs. 300 million to develop the Chilaw and Wellamankaraya fishery harbours, while Rs. 1,500 million has been allocated to develop the Gandara Fishery Harbour.
  19. SME paddy-millers: Interest-free pledge loan scheme will be introduced for small and medium-scale paddy mill owners to purchase paddy at the Government-guaranteed price. The move is expected to provide Rs. 20 billion in financial facilities from 2027.
  20. Advertisement Advertisement
  21. Rural entreprenuers: Rs. 5 billion loan program will be introduced for rural entrepreneurs and Aswesuma beneficiaries. Eligible entrepreneurs will be able to obtain loans of up to Rs. 5 million at an annual interest rate of 4%, provided they employ at least five Aswesuma beneficiaries.
  22. Re-MSME Plus programme: Additional Rs. 20 billion in concessionary loans will be made available at 5% interest, on top of the existing Rs. 30 billion allocation. A further Rs. 30 billion, with Asian Development Bank (ADB) assistance, will also go towards MSME financing.
  23. MSMEs: Allocates Rs. 67,687 million for interest subsidies and refinancing facilities in 2027 to support Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
    Allocates Rs. 54,136 million was for similar programs in 2026, enabling banks to extend loans worth Rs. 97,100 million. The entire allocation was used within the year amid higher demand.
  24. Home-stay tourism: Rs. 7.5 billion concessionary loan program to develop home-stay tourism industry. Entrepreneurs will be eligible for loans of up to Rs. 2 million at an annual interest rate of 3% to establish new accommodation facilities or upgrade existing ones.
  25. Advertisement Advertisement
  26. Inclusion: Allocates Rs. 67.7 billion for concessionary loan schemes to strengthen businesses, empower women-headed households and expand economic opportunities for entrepreneurs.
    Expects to channel Rs. 174 billion in concessionary loans through State and private banks in 2027. A key highlight is a Rs. 12.5 billion program for women-headed households, offering eligible beneficiaries loans of up to Rs.1 million through Samurdhi Banks at just 3%  annual interest.
  27. Valachchenai Industrial Zone: Govt. to allocate Rs. 4 billion on development  
  28. Sigiriya Domestic Airport: Proposes Rs. 100 million to upgrade facilities, including the passenger terminal to boost tourism and faster accessibility
  29. Ratmalana Airport: AASL to invest Rs. 6 billion from 2027 to extend runway to 1,771 metres and develop it for pilot training and regional aviation
  30. Rs. 200 million for a feasibility study on widening the road and building a flyover near BIA to ease traffic congestion. AASL will also build a new 5-storeyed car park costing Rs. 400 million to reduce vehicle congestion in and around the airport
  31. Rs. 800 million allocated for a domestic air terminal at BIA next year, to improve access to local destinations
  32. Plans to expand Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) passenger handling capacity to meet projected demand of 16 million passengers by 2032
  33. Colombo North Port: Feasibility study to develop port expected in the first half of next year. The Ports Authority plans to spend Rs. 300 million from its own funds to speed up an additional study on the Kelani River estuary.
  34. Rambukkana–Galagedara section of Central Expressway scheduled for completion by July 2029
  35. Allocates Rs. 53.4 billion for development of Kadawatha–Mirigama Expressway
  36. Construction of the Ruwanpura Expressway scheduled to commence on 1 December, while an  additional Rs. 27  billion is allocated for the project in 2027, in addition to the allocation made for 2026
  37. As part of the infrastructure development program, Rs. 30 billion allocated for construction of Kurunegala–Galewela section of Kurunegala–Dambulla Expressway
  38. Rs. 487 billion allocated for developing and modernising road and railway infrastructure
  39. Allocates Rs. 35,000 million to develop educational facilities and infrastructure in schools and teacher training colleges. Aims to improve access to quality education, strengthen digital learning and build up the country's education infrastructure.
  40. Will connect about 4,000 primary schools to the internet, and will supply equipment such as smart boards for tech-based learning. The President also stressed improving teachers’ digital literacy so they can use the technology effectively.
  41. Reaffirms that the distribution of school materials will continue with financial assistance from China, while plans are underway to expand internet connectivity across all schools.
  42. Monthly allowance for students at teacher training colleges will be nearly doubled from Rs. 10,500 to Rs. 20,000. The daily allowance for student monks will also be increased from Rs. 15 to Rs. 50, while lay students will be provided with an additional allowance.
  43. Aims to introduce quality transformation in education sector. Education reforms for Grade 2 -6 to be introduced in 2027. Allocates Rs. 11 billion to improve the vocational training facilities countrywide
     
  44. Allocates Rs. 9 billion to install new 700-800 new telco towers by 2028. Already commenced work on 573. For that those investing will get a concession of 75% of the cost or up to Rs. 35 million as a grant.
    Taxes removed for new communication towers for five years to expand high-speed broadband country-wide by 2030.
  45. Allocates the highest value for digital transformation ever with Rs. 28.5 billion. Outlines major digital transformation drive to modernise public services and literacy.
  46. Rs. 10 billion Digital Entrepreneurship Fund to be established
  47. Plans AI Excellence Centre at Wijerama Mawatha to advance artificial intelligence capabilities and promote its responsible use, bringing together public sector officials, experts and academics. 
    Digital Economy Act and Cyber Security Authority in 2027.
  48. Allocates Rs. 22,340 million to install a 92,000 tons of Jet A1 fuel tank storage and new pipeline connecting Muthirajawela to BIA.
    Sapugaskanda refinery to updraged from current 50,000 barrels to 100,000. Currently refinery fulfills 30% of CPC requirement, while balance imported
  49. Tenders will be called for Rs. 16,332 million for Kolonnawa-Colombo port oil pipeline project to be completed in 18 months. Says daily delay costs $ 30,000
  50. Plans to award four contracts for investors to explore oil and gas in Northwestern Mannar Basin soon after the bid deadline closes on 2 February 2027
  51. Hopes to install floating solar panels in 10 identified waterways as PPP projects. Aims to call for bids by early 2027
  52. Aims to build 400 KW Northern Transmission line from Kilinochchi to Habarana with an allocation of Rs. 500 million. For that plans to obtain a credit facility from AIIB of $ 150 million
  53. Smart metering: 

    Free smart meters to 300,000 electricity consumers of over 180 units. All LECO consumers using over 120 units will get smart meters  

  54. Rooftop solar releif: Rs. 25,000 per kW in concessions for households installing battery storage with rooftop solar systems, capped at Rs. 250,000 for systems of up to 10 kW, with Rs. 3.5 billion allocated for the scheme. The 10% Port and Airport Development Levy (PAL) on imported solar batteries will be removed.
    Currently BESS capacity 160 MW. It will be increased to 560 MW in 2027 and 1,245 MW by 2029. 30 MW BESS to be installed in Norochcholai to ensure no disruption.
     
  55. Allocates Rs. 26.5 billion to upgrade and strengthen the national power grid. The energy sector too needs a transformation. Currently, 62% of our energy generation is from Renewable Energy. 71% of November energy generation and 80% in September
  56. Rs. 2 billion allocated for National Single Trade Window and Rs. 100 million for National Single Investment Window
  57. Porposes legal framework to improve worker-employer relations, Bill to be presented to Parliament
  58. FTA push: Govt. focusing on establishing trade deals with China and West Asian countries. Rs. 3,400 million has been allocated for the Sri Lanka EU Economic and Trafe Corporation.
    Hopes to update Indo-Lanka FTA and already appointed an officials committee to review it. 
    Also looking at RCEP.
  59. Customs Ordinance Amendment due in March 2027
  60. To maintain SOEs effectively a holding company will be established which will include 34 companies, with remuneration structure to attract global management experts and professionals
  61. The proposed Investment Protection Bill is awaiting legal clearance from the Attorney General, while the Government is drafting a National Statistics Act to strengthen data-driven policymaking and governance
  62. Our aim is to have an economic transformation, which means a transformation is needed in all sectors, legal frameworks and corporation structures
  63. Says proposed Rs. 2 trillion capital expenditure amounts to 5.1% of GDP 
  64. We hope to maintain a 7% GDP growth in 2027 and recurrent expenditure at 13.6% of GDP
     
  65. Ministerial committee comprising economists and other experts exploring IMF program options after current EFF programe ends in March 2027
  66. Sri Lanka as a travel destination has improved global standing across multiple international ratings
  67. Interest payments absorbed nearly four-fifths of Government revenue in 2022, but the share declined sharply to 45.9% in 2025 and 39.6% by September 2026, indicating Government's commitment to debt management
  68. Debt to GDP is necessary indicator, but we need to have sufficient funds with liquidity to service latest debt payments. We have to pay less debts than 2025/2026 in 2027. If we had the ability to pay debts in 2025/2026, we can surely menage debt servicing in 2027. 

    Debt servicing expected to ease from around $3.7 billion in 2025 to $3.6 billion this year, before declining to approximately $3 billion in 2027 and rising to $3.6 billion in 2028.

     

  69. Says debt levels were reduced to 95% of GDP by the end of 2025, down from over 100%, ahead of IMF expectations. 
  70. Economic transformation is not just another document, but incorporates every investment, economic stability, and social protection programs Govt. has launched

  71. Vehicle imports totalled $1.6 billion in 2025, while letters of credit worth a further $1.5 billion have been opened so far this year. Vehicle imports and additional fuel imports collectively added more than $5 billion to the country’s import bill over the past two years. Despite the additional outflow, foreign reserves had risen to over $ 7 billion.

  72. President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said Sri Lanka had recorded its lowest budget deficit in 68 years, despite mounting external pressures, including the Middle East conflict and its impact on global oil and fuel prices.

    He acknowledged that these pressures remained unresolved, noting that the Government had spent over Rs. 147 billion on relief measures across several sectors. He said the 2027 Budget was aimed at strengthening the production economy, managing immediate economic challenges and laying the foundation for a better future for the next generation.

  73. President and Finance Minister Anura Kumara Dissanayake commences the 2027 Budget speech. 
  74. Colombo stock market subdued ahead of the Budget Speech, with the ASPI up just 83.56 point and active S&P SL20 index up 1.71 points a short while ago.
    Finance and Planning Deputy Minister Dr. Anil Jayantha Fernando recently said the Government’s capital market policies would be far more visible in the 2027 Budget, conceding that steps taken over the past two years had not been widely seen, leading some to conclude it had done little for the market. See: https://www.ft.lk/top-story/Govt-signals-stronger-capital-market-push-in-2027-Budget/26-799231

  75. The Appropriation Bill for the 2027 financial year has been published in the Government Gazette in September 2026, setting out an estimated Rs. 4.99 trillion in service expenditure for Government Ministries and Departments and capping net Government borrowings for the year at Rs. 3.8 trillion. Bill fixes the Government’s estimated service expenditure for the 2027 financial year at Rs. 4.99 trillion, brining total Government expenditure provided for under the Bill to pproximately Rs. 9.92 trillion.

     

  76. The Cabinet of Ministers at its meeting today morning approved the 2027 Budget ahead of its presentation by President and Finance Minister Anura Kumara Dissanayake at 1.30 p.m. in Parliament.
Share
{{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}views
Advertisement Advertisement
Advertisement Advertisement