President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, in his capacity as Minister of Finance, is scheduled to present the Government’s 2027 Budget proposals to Parliament today (12).
This will be the third Budget presented by the National People’s Power (NPP) Government.
The Appropriation Bill for 2027 was presented to Parliament for its first reading on October 7 by Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning Dr. Anil Jayantha.
According to the Bill, the Government’s estimated total expenditure for 2027 stands at Rs. 4,992 billion.
The Ministry of Finance, which comes under the President’s purview, has received the highest allocation of Rs. 856 billion. Other major allocations include Rs. 590 billion for the Ministry of Health and Mass Media, Rs. 500 billion for the Ministry of Transport, Highways and Urban Development, Rs. 458 billion for the Ministry of Defence and Rs. 328 billion for the Ministry of Education.
During his Budget speech, the President is also expected to outline the Government’s revenue projections, fiscal plans and proposed tax amendments for the coming year.
Following the presentation, the Second Reading debate will be held over seven days, from November 13 to 20. The vote on the Second Reading is scheduled for 6.00 p.m. on November 20.
The Committee Stage debate on the Appropriation Bill will then take place over 19 days, from November 21 to December 14. The Third Reading vote is scheduled for 6.00 p.m. on December 14.
During the Second Reading debate, 60% of the allocated time will be given to the Government and 40% to the Opposition. For the Committee Stage debate, the allocation will be reversed, with 40% for the Government and 60% for the Opposition.
Meanwhile, President Dissanayake reviewed the final document containing the 2027 Budget proposals at the Presidential Secretariat yesterday (11). Secretary to the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma was also present.
According to the President’s Media Division, the Government has made progress in several key economic sectors despite domestic and external challenges, including the Ditwah disaster and the ongoing crisis in the Middle East. The Government has attributed this progress to economic management and strict fiscal discipline.
The 2027 Budget is expected to signal a shift from the Government’s focus on economic stabilisation towards economic expansion and transformative development.
A total of Rs. 2,000 billion has been allocated for capital expenditure under the proposed Budget, reflecting an increased focus on investment and development activities.
The President’s Budget speech is scheduled to be broadcast live from 1.30 p.m. today on TV Derana, Ada Derana and the Ada Derana social media platforms.
