The Irrigation Department has issued a flood warning for six Divisional Secretariat areas in the Nilwala River Basin, cautioning that minor flooding could occur in low-lying areas over the next 24 hours following significant rainfall in the upper and middle catchment areas.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake today (12) presented the 2027 Budget in Parliament, projecting the country's budget deficit at Rs. 1.753 trillion, equivalent to 4.5 per cent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

The government has allocated Rs. 6,000 million to implement the 'Clean Sri Lanka' programme, which aims to transform the country through social, environmental and ethical development.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has proposed exempting the supply of bunker fuel to ships engaged in international transportation from the Social Security Contribution Levy (SSCL).

The government has proposed revising the method of calculating Value Added Tax (VAT) on cinema ticket sales to ensure a fairer and more equitable tax system within Sri Lanka's film industry.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has proposed several initiatives to strengthen Sri Lanka's defence sector, including the establishment of a Defence Development Research Centre with an allocation of Rs. 250 million.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has proposed increasing the monthly food and accommodation allowance paid to police officers by Rs. 10,000, effective from July 2027, under the 2027 Budget.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has proposed a Rs. 25,000 increase in the monthly professional allowance paid to High Court Judges and other judicial officers, alongside higher transport, driver and housing allowances under the 2027 Budget.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has proposed a monthly interim allowance of Rs. 2,500 for public sector pensioners who retired between 2020 and 2024, effective from July 1, 2027, as part of measures to address disparities in pension payments.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has proposed a 25% reduction in existing CESS rates applicable to 800 selected Harmonized System (HS) code lines as part of the Government's efforts to simplify Sri Lanka's import tax structure and reduce trade-related costs.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has proposed sharp reductions in the Special Commodity Levy (SCL) on several essential imported food items, including sprats, Maldive fish and dried chillies, in a move aimed at easing the cost-of-living burden on consumers.

Sri Lanka’s budget deficit is projected to reach Rs. 1.753 trillion in 2027, equivalent to 4.5 percent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP), as total government expenditure is estimated at Rs. 7.933 trillion,

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has proposed exempting exercise books and a wide range of printed educational materials from Value Added Tax (VAT) under the 2027 Budget.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has proposed increasing the monthly academic allowance paid to university academic staff by Rs. 25,000, with the increase to be implemented in two phases starting July 2027.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has proposed increasing the monthly Disturbance, Availability and Transport (DAT) allowance paid to medical officers by Rs. 25,000, from Rs. 70,000 to Rs. 95,000, under the 2027 Budget.

The President has proposed an allocation of Rs. 500 million for 2027 to advance the development of the sacred city of Anuradhapura, with plans to improve facilities for pilgrims, rehabilitate roads and strengthen waste management while protecting its historical and archaeological heritage.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has proposed increasing the annual personal income tax-free threshold from Rs. 1.8 million to Rs. 1.95 million, raising the monthly tax-free income limit to Rs. 162,500 under the 2027 Budget.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has announced an allocation of Rs. 110 billion to implement the final phase of the public sector salary increase in 2027, completing the three-stage salary revision introduced under the Government's first Budget in 2025.