The Sri Lanka budget for 2026 will be presented by the President on November 7, with parliamentary readings and extended debates running from September 26 through December 5, Parliament said.
Sri Lanka budget debate scheduled Sept 26–Dec 5 with President’s speech on Nov 7
The President will deliver the 2026 budget speech on November 7, initiating a detailed parliamentary timetable that begins with the first reading of the Appropriation Bill on September 26. Parliament has allocated six days for the second reading from November 8 to 14, with the second-reading vote scheduled for November 14. A Committee Stage debate will follow for 17 days from November 15 to December 5, culminating in the third reading vote on December 5 at 6:00 pm. Lawmakers agreed the Budget Debate would be held every day during this period, including Saturdays but excluding public holidays and Sundays, to ensure thorough scrutiny.
During the Committee Stage, Parliament will convene at 9:30 am on Mondays and at 9:00 am on other days. Each sitting will include time for five Questions for Oral Answers and one Question under Standing Orders 27(2), in addition to business under Standing Orders 22(1) to (6). The Budget Debate is set to continue until 6:00 pm daily, with Motions at Adjournment Time from 6:00 pm to 6:30 pm except on vote days. The speaking allocation for adjournment motions will be split on a 50:50 basis between the government and the opposition.
The Sri Lanka budget timetable gives ministers and legislators a structured window to present, challenge and amend fiscal proposals that will set revenue targets, public spending priorities and borrowing for the year ahead. For businesses, investors and civil society groups, the schedule provides clarity on when key measures — including potential tax changes, subsidy adjustments and sector allocations — will be debated and voted on. Observers say the extended Committee Stage is designed to allow technical review of appropriation details and to accommodate submissions from stakeholders.
Market participants and service users will watch the proceedings closely for signals on fiscal policy, public investment plans and any measures aimed at stabilising macroeconomic dynamics. The timeline also provides predictability for public-sector agencies preparing budget estimates and for agencies that must implement approved allocations. Ultimately, the parliamentary timetable sets the legal pathway for the Sri Lanka budget to become law and frames a timeline for accountability and transparency in public finance.