Sri Lanka Eyes Global Integration Through Trade Agreements

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka’s 2026 Budget is built on six strategic pillars aimed at steering the nation toward sustainable growth and global competitiveness, according to Harshana Suriyapperuma, Secretary to the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development.

Speaking on the government’s vision, Suriyapperuma outlined the priorities:

Export diversification
Economic growth and debt sustainability
Strengthening the production economy
Eradicating rural poverty
Promoting digitization

He emphasized that the budget reflects consistency in policy, particularly in taxation and debt management, while opening new opportunities for investment and trade.

“Message number one is consistency,” he said. 

“The government is marching in one direction, maintaining stability in taxation and debt sustainability.”

The second approach, he noted, was consultation: “We held over 20 industry consultations across tourism, manufacturing, agriculture, and more. His Excellency the President himself attended several forums to listen to businesses and citizens.”

The third approach focuses on global integration: “Sri Lanka is limited to 65,000 square kilometers and 22 million people. To capitalize on global opportunities, we must integrate with the rest of the world. Trade agreements are imperative.”

The budget aims to position Sri Lanka as a digitally empowered, globally connected economy, paving the way for long-term growth and resilience.