President Anura Kumara Dissanayake says the present government is planning to sign new Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) and revise existing agreements as part of efforts to expand Sri Lanka's international trade and investment opportunities.

Delivering the 2027 Budget speech in Parliament, the President said the Government was looking to strengthen trade relations with key partners, including China and India, while expanding trade engagements with Oman and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

He said the Government had appointed a committee to oversee efforts to expand Sri Lanka's existing Free Trade Agreement with India.

Meanwhile, Sri Lanka is exploring the possibility of entering into a new Free Trade Agreement with China as part of efforts to strengthen bilateral trade relations.

President Dissanayake stressed the importance of reaching trade agreements with other countries as Sri Lanka faces emerging global challenges and new business opportunities.

He said expanding and strengthening trade agreements would be important in positioning the country to respond to changing international economic conditions and improve access to overseas markets.

The President noted that the Government's efforts to pursue new agreements and revise existing FTAs formed part of its broader strategy to strengthen international economic cooperation, attract investment and promote trade-led economic growth.

President Dissanayake commenced delivering the 2027 Budget speech in Parliament at 1.40 p.m. today.