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State revenue, reserves hit record highs in 2025 as fiscal discipline strengthens: Ministers

Daily FT

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December 31, 2025

FINANCE and Planning Deputy Minister Dr. Anil Jayantha Fernando yesterday said the country will record its strongest-ever performance in State revenue and tax collection in 2025, alongside a sharp improvement in foreign reserves and public finance indicators. He described it as a decisive turnaround in fiscal management.

Addressing the year's economic outcomes, Dr. Fernando said 2025 marked a historic milestone, with State and tax revenue surpassing the highest targets ever achieved."2025 is a year in which State revenue and tax revenue exceeded the highest target in history," he said, attributing the performance to tighter fiscal discipline and renewed public confidence in governance.

Foreign exchange reserves have already exceeded $7 billion during the first 11 months of the year and are expected to surpass the previous all-time high of $7.24 billion by year-end. Export earnings also showed resilience, crossing $15.8 billion during the same period, despite what Dr. Fernando described as significant internal and external challenges faced throughout 2025.

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