President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has underscored the importance of achieving development goals through effective management of limited financial resources. In light of current financial constraints, budgetary allocations for 2026 have been made by identifying national priorities. The President stressed that it is incumbent upon all Ministry Secretaries and public officials to utilize these funds efficiently for the benefit of the populace.
Despite significant allocations for capital expenditure in the past, many development opportunities were lost due to inefficiencies in the state machinery. This resulted in a failure to achieve the intended physical progress. The President pointed out that the concept of “unspent funds” has previously influenced budget preparations, preventing optimal utilization. For 2026, however, measures have been put in place to ensure that all necessary funds are available and fully utilized without delay.
These remarks were made by President Dissanayake during a meeting with Ministry Secretaries held at the Presidential Secretariat. In the discussion, the President elaborated on the government’s financial strategy under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), which allows only about 13% of national production for expenditure. At least 4% of this must be allocated to capital expenditure. He emphasized that the allocation to each Ministry is guided by the principle of focusing on national priorities.
Highlighting the government’s role as the country’s largest investor, President Dissanayake noted that Rs. 1400 billion has been earmarked for capital expenditure, with an additional Rs. 500 billion allocated for reconstruction efforts to address the damage caused by the recent “Ditwah” cyclone.
The President emphasized the critical role of Ministry Secretaries in managing these funds effectively to realize expected physical development. He warned that failure to implement proposed projects would deprive citizens of the benefits they deserve.
During the meeting, detailed presentations were made regarding the allocation and planned utilization of projects and funds by each Ministry for the year 2026.
The meeting was attended by Secretary to the President, Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, along with all Ministry Secretaries and Senior Officials from the Ministry of Finance.
