President to present 2027 Budget tomorrow as 26-day parliamentary debate begins

By The Pulseline News Desk

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, in his capacity as Minister of Finance, is scheduled to present the Government’s 2027 Budget to Parliament tomorrow (12), setting in motion a 26-day parliamentary debate on the country’s fiscal priorities and economic direction.

Parliament will convene at 1.30 p.m., with the President scheduled to deliver the Budget Speech during the Second Reading of the Appropriation Bill for 2027.

The Budget debate will continue until December 14, with the parliamentary programme divided between the Second Reading and Committee Stage debates.

According to the parliamentary schedule, the Second Reading Debate will be held from November 13 to 20, with the vote scheduled for 6.00 p.m. on November 20.

The Committee Stage Debate will commence on November 21 and continue until December 14, spanning 19 sitting days, including four Saturdays. The final vote on the Third Reading of the Appropriation Bill is scheduled for 6.00 p.m. on December 14.

The Appropriation Bill for 2027 was presented to Parliament for its First Reading on October 7.

The Budget is expected to outline the Government’s spending priorities, revenue measures and development programme for the coming year, against the backdrop of continuing economic recovery, fiscal consolidation commitments and the need to accelerate public investment.

During the Budget period, Parliament will maintain a structured daily programme, with regular parliamentary business conducted from 9.30 a.m. to 10.00 a.m. under Standing Orders 22(1) to 22(6).

This will be followed by five Questions for Oral Answers between 10.00 a.m. and 10.30 a.m., while a question under Standing Order 27(2) will be taken up from 10.30 a.m. to 11.00 a.m.

The main Budget debate will be conducted daily from 11.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m., providing Government and Opposition MPs an opportunity to scrutinise the proposed expenditure and revenue framework before the final vote.

The December 14 vote will determine whether the Government secures parliamentary approval for its 2027 spending programme.