Budget 2026 built on clean politics, inclusivity, production-led growth: Dr. Fernando

Finance Deputy Minister Dr. Anil Jayantha Fernando says political environment crucial for maintaining social contract that supports investment; Calls on stakeholders to look at Budget 2026 beyond the numbers, as social protection and welfare programs designed to ensure no one is left behind; Stresses need for greater export diversification in both products and destinations; Affirms Govt. remains committed to debt sustainability, describing it as a 'given situation' that must be managed prudently within existing framework; Highlights importance of boosting local production, clarifying Govt.'s objective is not to restrict imports, but to encourage production that complements investment and industrial inputs

- CHARUMINI DE SILVA

FINANCE and Planning Deputy Minister Dr. Anil Jayantha Fernando said that the Budget 2026 was formulated on the principles of clean politics, inclusivity, and sustainable growth, aiming to strengthen investor confidence while ensuring no citizen is left behind in economic recovery.

Delivering the keynote address at the post-Budget discussion organised by EY Sri Lanka recently, he said the Government has maintained “clean politics” as a core principle in preparing the Budget 2026, which he described as essential to creating a conducive environment for investors and social stability.

Dr. Fernando said that the political sphere plays a decisive role in shaping the country's economic direction, and that the current administration has upheld transparency and avoided conflicts of interest in governance.