Ceylon Chamber urges govt to convert fiscal gains into productive investment

The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce has acknowledged the government's recent fiscal gains but is urging a strategic shift of these surpluses into productive public investment to secure long-term growth.

- BY SANATH NANAYAKKARE

In its review of the National Budget 2026, the Chamber endorsed the government's “clear trajectory" of fiscal consolidation and disciplined debt management, noting this consistency is crucial for Sri Lanka's ongoing economic recovery.

However, with the initial post-crisis consumption boom now moderating, the Chamber stressed that the government must pivot from consolidation to investment. It identified targeted capital expenditure in infrastructure, energy, tourism, and digital services as the potential new engines needed to drive the economy forward.

Significantly, the Chamber revealed that 18 of its policy proposals were incorporated into the budget, which include: