Second Reading Debate on 2026 Budget Begins Today

COLOMBO (News 1st) - The second reading debate on the 2026 Budget will commence today and continue for six days until November 14. 

The second reading vote is scheduled to take place on November 14 at 6.00 p.m.

Following this, the committee stage debate on the budget will be held from November 15 to December 5, with the third reading vote slated for December 5 at 6.00 p.m.

The 2026 Budget was presented to Parliament yesterday by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in his capacity as Minister of Finance.

Presented with the objective of driving economic development, the budget includes proposals under 34 key areas such as poverty eradication, digitalization, investment promotion, tourism development, education, and support for the disabled community.

A total of Rs. 110 billion has been allocated for the second phase of the public sector salary increase, while provisions have also been made to raise pensions.

The budget further proposes the establishment of a new fund to provide loans to farmers, as well as financial support of up to Rs. 50 million for small and medium-scale entrepreneurs at concessional interest rates.

Additionally, Rs. 1 billion has been allocated for the development of domestic airports, and the President announced that steps will be taken to resume the Bandaranaike International Airport expansion project.