President pushes for efficient budget allocation

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake stated that within the prevailing financial constraints, budgetary allocations for 2026 have been made by identifying national priorities and stressed that it is the responsibility of all Ministry Secretaries and public officials to utilise these funds with maximum efficiency for the benefit of the people.

The President highlighted that, despite substantial allocations for capital expenditure, many development opportunities were lost to the people due to the inability of past state machinery to utilise these funds efficiently and achieve the intended physical progress. 

He further noted that, in some instances, budget preparations were influenced by the notion of “unspent funds,” which hindered proper utilisation. The President emphasised that, for 2026, the necessary groundwork has been established to ensure that all required funds are made available and utilised fully without delay.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake made these remarks during a discussion with Ministry Secretaries held Monday morning (5) at the Presidential Secretariat.

During the discussion, the President further explained that, under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the Government can allocate only about 13% of national production for expenditure, of which at least 4% should be reserved for capital expenditure. The President emphasised that the funds allocated to each Ministry are based on the principle of “emphasis on national priorities.”

Source -The Morning