Sri Lanka’s main revenue agencies are expected to surpass their 2025 collection targets, and the budget deficit is projected to remain below the original estimate despite expenditures on cyclone relief, according to Deputy Minister of Economic Development Nishantha Jayaweera.

Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Jayaweera stated that the Inland Revenue Department is likely to exceed its revenue target of 2,195 billion rupees by approximately 50 billion rupees.

The Department of Customs has already surpassed its target of 2,115 billion rupees, with collections exceeding the goal by 280 billion rupees. The Department of Excise is also on track to surpass its target of 228 billion rupees by about 4 billion rupees.

While Cyclone Ditwah is expected to reduce some excise revenues and value-added tax collections, Jayaweera emphasized that overall revenue targets will still be exceeded.

The 2025 expenditure on cyclone relief, estimated at 72 billion rupees, will be managed within existing budget limits.

(Colombo/Dec17/2025)