Government Preparing Budget to Benefit All Citizens, Says Minister Dr. Upali Pannila

The government is preparing to present a special national budget aimed at delivering benefits to all sections of society, Minister of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment Dr. Upali Pannila has stated.

The Minister made these remarks while speaking to the media following the Kelaniya Divisional Coordination Committee meeting, held on the morning of November 11 at the Kelaniya Divisional Secretariat, in the Gampaha District.

The meeting was chaired by Minister Dr. Pannila and focused on reviewing the progress of development projects being implemented within the Kelaniya Divisional Secretariat Division during 2026, using allocations from the central government, provincial councils, decentralised funds and local government authorities.

Discussions also covered several important matters, including regional security and community health.

Particular attention was given to the progress of the Praja Shakthi national poverty eradication programme and initiatives aimed at empowering low-income families.

95% of Development Work Expected to Be Completed by Year-End

Addressing the media after the meeting, Minister Pannila said that development projects already launched within the Kelaniya Divisional Secretariat Division were progressing.

He expressed confidence that nearly 95 per cent of the development work funded through the allocated provisions would be completed before the end of the year.

Responding to questions from journalists, the Minister also discussed the government's proposed legal reforms concerning national security.

He said the government was working towards abolishing the existing Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) and introducing a more flexible legal framework that would safeguard national security without adversely affecting society.

Rs. 2,000 Billion in Capital Expenditure Proposed for 2027 Budget

Commenting on the 2027 national budget, Minister Pannila said the government was prepared to allocate Rs. 2,000 billion for capital expenditure on national development projects.

He described this as the highest capital expenditure allocation ever proposed in a national budget.

The Minister further stated that measures were being taken to increase public sector salaries and enhance allowances provided to various categories of government officers, including field officers.

He emphasised that the government was preparing to present a distinctive budget, unlike previous budgets, with the objective of delivering benefits to the entire population.

Several local government representatives and officials attended the meeting, including Kelaniya Pradeshiya Sabha Chairman Sandun Yapa, Vice Chairperson Lakshika Subhashini, Peliyagoda Urban Council Chairman Kapila Samankirthi and Vice Chairman Aruna Shantha.

Kelaniya Divisional Secretary Gayani Ranasinghe, officers-in-charge of the Kelaniya, Kiribathgoda and Peliyagoda police stations, the area Medical Officer of Health, local public representatives and heads of government institutions were also present.