President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, in his capacity as Minister of Finance, presented his second Budget Speech in the Parliament today (Nov. 7).

The 80th budget of the independent Sri Lanka and the second budget of the National People’s Power (NPP) government was delivered from 1.30 p.m. by the Head of State. 

He said the main strategic objective of the Budget 2026 is to achieve an economic growth rate exceeding 7 percent within the next few years, while ensuring that the benefits of this growth are distributed equitably among all regions, communities and social groups across the country.

According to the 2026 Budget proposal delivered by the President, the government’s expected revenue for 2026 is set at Rs. 5,300 million while the expenditure has been projected to be Rs. 7,057 million.

Accordingly, the Budget deficit will be Rs. 1,757 million or 5.1% of the Gross Domestic Product. 

The Cabinet of Ministers had granted approval for the Budget 2026 to be presented to the Parliament during the special Cabinet meeting held this morning (07).

At around 1.30 p.m. today, in keeping with tradition, the President arrived at the Chamber from the Office of the President within the Parliament premises, preceded by the Serjeant-at-Arms. Subsequently, the Budget proposals were presented until 5.50 p.m.

Foreign ambassadors, Governors, high-ranking government officials, heads of forces, judges and many other guests attended the event.

The debate on the Second Reading of the Appropriation Bill for the year 2026 is scheduled to be held over a period of six days, from November 8 to November 14. Thereafter, the vote on the Second Reading of the Budget will be taken on November 14 at 6.00 p.m.

Subsequently, the Committee Stage debate on the Appropriation Bill for the year 2026 is scheduled to be held for 17 days, including three Saturdays, from November 15 to December 5. Following that, the vote on the Third Reading of the Appropriation Bill will be held on December 5 at 6.00 p.m.

Accordingly, the entire Budget debate is scheduled to be held from November 8 to December 5, 2025.

President’s full budget speech is as below;

Budget Speech 2026-150-227 by Adaderana Online