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Sri Lanka’s 2027 Budget Reaches Rs 4.99 Trillion as Capital Expenditure Jumps 24.7%
Oct 19, 202611:32 AM
Sri Lanka’s total government expenditure for 2027 is set to expand by 12.6% year-on-year to Rs 4.993 trillion, up from Rs 4.434 trillion in 2026. The fiscal framework is characterized by a significant surge in capital investment alongside strict containment of the annual borrowing ceiling. An analysis of the Appropriation Bill 2027 published by tax consultancy Ernst & Young (EY) Sri Lanka highlights that the planned expenditure growth is primarily anchored by development outlays rather than routine government overheads. Under the First Schedule to the bill, capital expenditure is projected to increase sharply by 24.7% from Rs 1.406 trillion in 2026 to Rs 1.753 trillion in 2027. In contrast, recurrent expenditure will grow at a more moderate rate of 7.0%, rising from Rs 3.029 trillion to Rs 3.240 trillion. Despite the total expansion in state outlays, the government’s overall borrowing limit has been held constant at Rs 3.8 trillion, mirroring the threshold set for 2026. The Ministry of Finance, Planning & Economic Development continues to absorb the lion’s share of government funding. Its allocation is slated to rise 35% to Rs 856.9 billion in 2027, up from Rs 634.8 billion in 2026. However, the fastest percentage increases across state sectors are concentrated in social protection and digital infrastructure:
- Rural Development & Social Security records the steepest rise, leaping 107% from Rs 38.6 billion to Rs 79.8 billion.
- Digital Economy allocations expand by 63% to Rs 26.0 billion, compared to Rs 16.0 billion in 2026.
- Public Administration & Local Government: Rs 651.0 billion (+9% from Rs 596.0 billion).
- Health & Mass Media: Rs 590.5 billion (+6% from Rs 555.0 billion).
- Transport / Highways / Urban Development: Rs 500.0 billion (+12% from Rs 446.0 billion).
- Education, Higher Education & Vocational Education: Rs 328.0 billion (+9% from Rs 301.0 billion).
