Budget 2026 extends unprecedented economic discipline: Ceylon Chamber Chief

Krishan Balendra says sustained stability could be a game changer for private sector at EY Sri Lanka post-Budget forum; Highlights economy shows signs of macroeconomic turnaround, with strong revenue growth, low inflation and interest rates, reduced fiscal deficit, and current account surplus; Points to SOEs now break-even or post profits, reflecting improved fiscal discipline and reforms; Asserts Central Bank's legal independence boosts investor confidence; Notes commercial banks beginning to offer 10 years fixed-rate mortgages; something previously unheard of; Urges an export-focused reform phase, calling for targeted policies to develop one or two scalable manufacturing sectors SL has comparative advantage

- CHARUMINI DE SILVA

CEYLON Chamber of Commerce Chairperson Krishan Balendra last night hailed Budget 2026 as a continuation of the country's post-crisis fiscal discipline and stability, describing it as a key turning point that could usher in a new era of sustained low inflation, stable interest rates and renewed investor confidence.

Speaking at a post-Budget panel discussion organised by EY Sri Lanka for the 25th consecutive year, Balendra said that the 2026 Budget reinforced the policy continuity and macroeconomic discipline that began after Sri Lanka's 2022 crisis, helping steer the country away from the path of prolonged instability faced by nations such as Lebanon, Venezuela and Zimbabwe.

"From a private sector perspective, this Budget provides stability," he said.