Budget 2026: President Urges Focus on People-Centric Projects

COLOMBO (News 1st); President Anura Kumara Disanayake held a key discussion with officials from the Ministry of Finance at the Presidential Secretariat to review the preliminary framework and development priorities for the 2026 national budget.

During the meeting, the President inquired about the current progress in budget preparations. Ministry officials confirmed that the circular inviting budget proposals has already been issued, and government institutions have until July 31 to submit their estimates within the allocated expenditure limits.

President Disanayake emphasized the importance of aligning the budget with transformative national goals. He instructed officials to prioritize sectors that could significantly uplift the country’s socio-economic status, including digitalization, public transport enhancement, and economic integration of rural communities.

He further stressed that budget allocations alone are not enough. The President called for mechanisms to ensure that the intended benefits of development projects are effectively reaching the people, urging a results-oriented approach to public spending.