Sri Lanka cabinet clears 2026 budget bill

Tuesday September 9, 2025 1:25 pm

ECONOMYNEXT – Sri Lanka’s cabinet of ministers has approved the publication of the Appropriation Bill for 2026, Minister Nalinda Jayatissa said.

The Appropriation Bill was cleared by the Attorney General, he said.

The Appropriation Bill sets out of the allocation of funds for each ministry, and its tabling in the parliament is considered the first reading of the budget.

The Second Reading is the presentation of the formal budget by the Finance Minister in parliament with plans to close the budget deficit if any. (Colombo/Sept09/2025)

Tuesday September 9, 2025 3:03 pm

ECONOMYNEXT – Sri Lanka’s cabinet has approved leasing land from industrial parks to 38 investment projects, Minister Nalinda Jayatissa said.

“The total investment value to be made by the 38 investors is Rs. 2,548.22 million,” Jayatissa told reporters.

It is expected to generate about 1,559 direct employment opportunities.

The land is to be provided from industrial parks on a lease basis for a maximum period of 35 years, he said.

42 project proposals were recommended by the ‘Regional Industrial Service Committee’, and the Ministry of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development’s Project Evaluation Committee approved the allocation of land for 38 projects.

Land has been allocated in Ampara, Trincomalee, Batticaloa, Kalutara, Minuwangoda, Matugama, Millaniya, Ulapaney, Ratnapura Nalanda, Karandeniya, Bata Atha, Mannar, Galigamuwa, Embilipitiya, Buththala, Dankotuwa, Puttalam, and Aluthapola. (Colombo/Sep9/2025)

Tuesday September 9, 2025 1:25 pm

ECONOMYNEXT – A group of Sri Lankan media personnel currently visiting Israel on a tour sponsored by the Israeli government are traveling privately, with no involvement from the Sri Lankan government, Media Minister Nalinda Jayatissa said.

“They are on a private tour, there is no government involvement,” Jayatissa told reporters who questioned him about allowing journalists to go to Israel when it is accused of killing over 270 journalists.

“The government will not bear any responsibility.”

“Anyone is free to go to Israel, there is no ban on visiting,” he said adding, “We can’t obstruct this.”

“You can ask your colleagues what they think about it when they return. They have applied for leave and gone,” Jayatissa said, dodging questions on what the government’s stance on the matter was.

The Israeli Embassy in India had coordinated the visit, he said.

The group of 16 media personnel include 2 from the state-owned TV channel Rupavahini.

Since October 7, 2023, Israel has killed over 270 journalists according to Reporters Without Borders and Al Jazeera estimates. (Colombo/Sep9/2025)

Tuesday September 9, 2025 12:51 pm

ECONOMYNEXT – Sri Lanka has awarded 60 percent of its school textbooks and modules printing requirement to 29 private companies, since the government printer is not cost effective, Minister Nalinda Jayatissa said.

“The state printing organizations do not offer market competitive rates,” Jayatissa told reporters.

“They have been overstaffed by previous governments, and staff have been given various incentive schemes over the years. This increases their cost of production and they can’t compete with private companies. Printing outside is cheaper for the government.

“The state organizations will be printing 40 percent of the requirement.”

Another 27.12 million copies of 366 types of textbooks/modules need to be printed, he said.

Tenders were invited, and 29 printing institutions submitted bids.

“25.49 million copies of 362 relevant textbooks/modules will be printed by these 29 institutions at a cost of 3,491.47 million rupees.

“Whether the SPC or private companies print them, the treasury pays for it.” (Colombo/Sep9/2025)