News Today: 2025 Sri Lanka Budget Postponed Due to Elections

The Sri Lankan government has officially postponed the presentation of the 2025 budget proposals, originally planned for November. The decision comes in light of the upcoming parliamentary General Election, set for November 14th, 2024.

As a result, the newly elected government will first present a vote on account to cover government expenses for the first four months of 2025. This interim measure will ensure that essential expenses and operations are approved by Parliament while the full national budget is prepared.

After the General Election, the new government must officially gazette ministries and institutions, and formulate detailed estimates of expenses, development projects, and revenue collection strategies. Given the tight schedule, the budget preparation will be delayed, and priority will be given to the vote on account for the initial months of the year.