Standard Chartered CEO hails 'doable' Budget 2026

Bingumal Thewarathanthri says outlook 'cautiously optimistic' amid fiscal constraints and reform momentum

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STANDARD Chartered Bank Sri Lanka CEO Bingumal Thewarathanthri yesterday described the 2026 Budget as "a credible and a doable plan"that Dix Sunin balances fiscal discipline with growth ambition.

Although Sri Lanka’s fiscal space remains severely constrained, he said consistent reforms and adherence to the IMF program can sustain the country’s gradual recovery and rebuild international confidence.

Speaking at the Daily FT–Colombo University Alumni Association post-Budget forum panel discussion, Thewarathanthri said the 2026 Budget reflects “a realistic path forward” for Sri Lanka, amidst continuing efforts to stabilise public finances.

“This is a doable Budget. There’s no immediate risk to the IMF program and maintaining that consistency is critical for regaining market access,” he pointed out.

Thewarathanthri commended the 2026 Budget for its projected 30% year-on-year (YoY) revenue growth, describing it as both “ambitious, yet realistic.”