Govt to present 2026 Appropriation Bill in October, Budget speech in November

The Cabinet of Ministers has granted approval to present the 2026 Appropriation Bill to Parliament in October. 

According to the Cabinet paper presented by the President, in his capacity as the Minister of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development, the second reading (budget speech) of the Bill is scheduled to be made in November, while the third reading and budget debate will be held during November and December.

The Cabinet also granted approval to prepare the national budget for the year 2026 in alignment with the policy framework titled ‘Rich Country – Beautiful Country’, the Public Financial Framework, the Public Financial Strategy Statement, and the National Policy Framework 2026–2030.

The upcoming budget will be developed under the theme ‘Production Economy and Inclusive Contribution to Economic Development’, the government has announced. 

When preparing budget estimates for the year 2026, it is expected to give prime importance to the priorities included in the national policy framework and the initiation of rural development, the government noted. 

Meanwhile, in terms of the provisions of the Public Finance Management Act No. 44 of 2024 and the Government Policy Statement, it is required to obtain proposals from all ministries to provide the necessary provisions to implement the projects and programs identified by each ministry under the subject codes of the respective ministry.