Key Stages of the 2026 Budget Process
Following President Anura Kumara Dissanayake presenting the 2026 Budget to Parliament on Friday (07), the Second Reading of the Appropriation Bill commenced on Saturday (08) and will continue for six days until Friday (14). The decisive vote on the Second Reading will take place on Friday (14) at 6 pm. This stage marks a critical moment in the legislative process, where the basic principles of the budget are debated and approved.
The subsequent Committee Stage Debate, where Budget allocations will be examined in detail, is scheduled to run for 17 days from November 15 to December 05, including 3 Saturdays. This Stage is expected to involve intense discussions and possible Amendments to the proposed Financial plans. It allows for a more granular review of each component of the budget, ensuring that all aspects are scrutinized before final approval.
The final vote on the Third Reading of the Appropriation Bill is slated for December 5 at 6 pm., determining whether the 2026 Budget will be passed by Parliament. This final stage is crucial as it represents the last opportunity for any changes to be made before the budget becomes law.
The Budget Debate is scheduled to be held every day during the Budget Period, except on public holidays and Sundays. Accordingly, the entire Budget debate is scheduled to be held from November 8 to December 5, 2025. This is his Second Budget of President Dissanayake as the Head of State and Minister of Finance and of the National People’s Power (NPP) Government, outlining the Government’s Financial and Economic strategies for the coming year.
Cabinet Approval and Presentation of the Budget
The Cabinet of Ministers granted approval for the Budget proposals paving the way for its official presentation in Parliament. At 1.30 p.m. on Friday (7), 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 pm.
The Acting Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, Dr. Anil Jayantha Fernando presented the Bill entitled “Appropriation” or the First Reading on September 26, 2025, to provide for the service of the Financial year 2026. This initial reading sets the foundation for further debates and amendments.
Opposition Reactions and Government Claims
Irangika RangeDeputy Labour Minister Mahinda Jayasinghe said in Parliament on Saturday (08) that the Opposition’s hopes were dashed by this 2026 Budget. The Deputy Minister, who said that the entire country received relief from this year’s Budget, also stated that this is a Budget that has been brought for the country with a long-term vision. He also said that the current Government has 5 more Budgets to present and that this country would be on the right track when the final Budget is presented. He said this during the Second Reading Debate of the Budget.
Varuna DayaratnePublic Security and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananda Wijepala said that the 2026 Budget is the best Budget that was presented in the entire history of the country. The Minister commenting on his views on the Budget said this to the Media in Parliament on Friday (07), following President Anura Kumara Dissanayake presenting the 2026 Budget in Parliament in his capacity as the Finance Minister.
Commenting further the Minister said, “This Budget includes a great programme that has targeted to eradicate village level poverty which is of utmost importance. Increasing the salaries of government employees, removing the pensioners’ salary anomalies are key priorities in this Budget. Special attention has been given towards Digitalisation as a new and important initiative by the Government and towards this, a large number of projects have been introduced through this Budget. I believe that this Budget will play a special role in creating a good country for the future generations.”
Key Components of the 2026 Budget
A sum of Rs. 1,500 million has been allocated to establish 10 Drug Rehabilitation Centers in the country to expand the Drug Rehabilitation programme. Another significant achievement in this Budget is that there are no special taxes imposed and no taxes have been imposed. This has become possible because in 2025 the government has earned a significant amount of domestic and foreign revenue including increase of export revenue which will be used to achieve the targets of the 2026 Budget without the need to impose special taxes.
This Budget has addressed the needs of all sectors in the country as a whole, without leaving anyone and therefore, will become a decisive Budget. The disabled community in the country has been paid special attention in this Budget to address their needs. As a whole, everybody in the country will be able to make their future.