Seminar on 'Impact of Budget on the National Economy' at OPA

THE 2026 National Budget focuses on growth while advancing development and debt sustainability. This was highlighted at a seminar on “Impact of the Budget on the National Economy —Way Forward” organised by the Organisation of Professional Associations of Sri Lanka.

- 

The Keynote Speaker was Secretary to the Treasury and Secretary to the Ministry of Finance Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma, while the panel of expert guest speakers consisted of former Central Bank of Sri Lanka Deputy Governor J.P.R. Karunaratne, Department of Inland Revenue Commissioner of Tax Policy and Legislation S. Iyesha Asanthi, and Verité Research Director Dr. Nishan De Mel.

Vice President Mr. Bhanu Wijayaratne stated that the seminar would focus on the budget’s impact on the national economy. Highlighting several key features of the budget, he observed that it contained ambitious targets, and the seminar explored how these objectives can be achieved.

Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma observed that Sri Lanka was successfully navigating a challenging period due to the collective efforts of all stakeholders, particularly its citizens and the business community. He stressed that the central objective of the 2026 Budget was to drive growth by focusing on shortand medium-term policies while framing the foundation for future growth.