OPA presents collective professional proposals for Budget 2027

Tuesday, 27 October 2026 01:53 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Organisation of Professional Associations of Sri Lanka (OPA), under the leadership of OPA President Jayantha Gallehewa, presented its proposals and recommendations for the Budget 2027 to Treasury Secretary Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma at a meeting held on 6 October, 2026.

The proposals represent the collective voice and professional expertise of the OPA’s 52 member associations, bringing together knowledge and perspectives from across Sri Lanka’s professional community. The initiative was undertaken through the National Issues Committee (NIC), chaired by OPA Vice President and NIC Chairman Bhanu Wijayaratne, with the active contribution of its members.

The proposals were developed through consultations with the OPA’s member associations and focused on key areas of national importance, with the objective of providing constructive and evidence-informed recommendations to the national Budget process.

Among the key areas addressed were fair taxation, export financing, elder care and social protection, research and innovation, the circular economy, the built environment and heritage, and measures to address the country’s professional brain drain. The proposals also reflected wider professional perspectives on strengthening economic resilience, improving productivity, encouraging investment and supporting sustainable national development.

The OPA delegation was led by OPA President Jayantha Gallehewa and included General Secretary Eng. Ravi Rupasinghe, Vice President and NIC Chairman Bhanu Wijayaratne, NIC Member B.A.H.S. Preena, OPA Assistant Secretary Indika Ranaweera, Vice President and Career Guidance and Skills Development Committee Chairman V. Rameshkumar, NIC Member and Career Guidance and Skills Development Committee Convener Udesh I.W. Seneviratna and OPA Editor Priyantha Wickramarathna.

Speaking on the occasion, Gallehewa emphasised the organisation’s commitment to placing the knowledge, experience and collective expertise of Sri Lanka’s professional community at the service of the nation. He noted that the OPA’s role extends beyond representing individual professions and includes contributing constructively to national policy and decision-making.

The presentation of the Budget proposals marks another important step in the OPA’s continuing engagement with the Government. Through the NIC and its 52 member associations, the OPA continues to provide a platform for translating professional knowledge and experience into practical recommendations on matters of national importance.

The OPA expressed its appreciation to the Finance, Planning and Economic Development Ministry for providing the opportunity to present its proposals and reaffirmed its readiness to continue contributing professional expertise to the national development and Budget process.