Pre-Budget talks for 2026 begin with focus on digitalisation, rural inclusions

Thursday, 17 July 2025 01:23 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

President AKD urges focus on sectors that can boost economy in Budget planning
Emphasises resource allocation alone insufficient; calls for mechanisms to ensure real impact
Finance Ministry officials inform Budget circular already issued to State institutions; proposals due by 31 July

President Anura Kumara Disanayake

President Anura Kumara Disanayake yesterday kicked off pre-Budget discussions for 2026 at the Presidential Secretariat, meeting with officials from the Finance Ministry to review the early framework and development priorities.

Stressing the need for transformative outcomes, the President called for a stronger focus on digitalisation, improved public transport, and integrating rural communities into the national economy.

He emphasised the importance of prioritising key sectors that can elevate the country beyond its current situation when planning the upcoming Budget.

The officials informed the President that the circular inviting Budget proposals has already been issued and that institutions have been given time till 31 July to submit their financial estimates within the allocated expenditure limits.

Disanayake asserted that merely allocating financial resources for projects is not sufficient. He highlighted the need to assess whether the intended benefits of those projects are truly reaching the people and highlighted the importance of strengthening the necessary mechanisms to ensure this outcome.

Labour Minister and Economic Development Deputy Minister Dr. Anil Jayantha Fernando, Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, Treasury Secretary Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma, and a group of senior officials from the Finance Ministry were also present at the discussion.