Sri Lanka's 2027 Appropriation Bill has been gazetted, setting out the Government's proposed expenditure framework ahead of the presentation of Budget 2027.
The Bill provides approximately Rs.4.992 trillion in expenditure appropriated through its schedules for the 2027 financial year.
Among the largest ministry allocations are:
- Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development — Rs.856.9 billion
- Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government — Rs.651 billion
- Ministry of Health and Mass Media — Rs.590.5 billion
- Ministry of Transport, Highways and Urban Development — Rs.500 billion
- Ministry of Defence — Rs.458 billion
- Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education — Rs.328 billion
Current reporting on the Bill also places the Government's borrowing ceiling at approximately Rs.3.8 trillion.
Budget Speech scheduled for November 12
The Budget Speech, corresponding to the Second Reading of the Appropriation Bill, is scheduled for November 12.
The Bill must proceed through the parliamentary budget process before the final expenditure framework takes effect.
What the Rs.4.99 trillion figure means
The Rs.4.99 trillion figure should be described carefully.
It represents expenditure appropriated through the Bill and should not be described as money already spent.
It should also not automatically be presented as the entirety of every Government financial obligation without distinguishing statutory expenditure and other Consolidated Fund obligations where relevant.
Likewise, ministry allocations are spending authorisations or ceilings within the budget framework rather than evidence that the full amounts have already been disbursed.
Comparisons with previous budgets should account for changes in ministry structures and responsibilities.