New budget to align with ‘Rich Country – Beautiful Country’ vision and focus on rural upliftment and inclusive growth
The Sri Lankan Cabinet of Ministers has granted formal approval for the presentation of the 2026 Appropriation Bill to Parliament in October, with the national budget speech scheduled for November, followed by the third reading and full budget debate through November and December.
The move was initiated through a Cabinet paper presented by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in his capacity as Minister of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development. This year’s budget will be formulated in line with several key strategic documents, including the ‘Rich Country – Beautiful Country’ policy vision, the Public Financial Framework, the Public Financial Strategy Statement, and the newly introduced National Policy Framework 2026–2030.
The 2026 budget will carry the theme ‘Production Economy and Inclusive Contribution to Economic Development’, marking a strong policy pivot toward rural development, sectoral productivity, and broad-based economic participation.
According to the Ministry of Finance, budget estimates will place special emphasis on priority areas outlined in the national policy, particularly rural revitalization and integrated development planning. Ministries are required to submit detailed proposals to secure funding under the Public Finance Management Act No. 44 of 2024, ensuring each initiative aligns with the government’s overarching strategic goals.
As Sri Lanka continues its fiscal consolidation efforts, the upcoming budget is expected to signal both discipline and developmental ambition amid ongoing economic recovery.