National: Budget

NATIONAL
BUDGET
FOR WHAT, FOR WHOM
Ministry of Finance,
Economic Stabilization and National Policies
Ministry of Finance,
Economic Stabilization and National Policies
NATIONAL
BUDGET
FOR WHAT, FOR WHOM
November 2023
“What is
National Budget
2024, for what,
for whom?”
It is a
simplified
version of
Government
Budget 2024
NATIONAL BUDGET 2024

2 FOR WHAT, FOR WHOM
Ministry of Finance, Economic Stabilization and National Policies
Preparation of Annual Budget Estimates is
a constitutional requirement (Article 148
-152 of the Constitution). The Annual
Budget Estimates 2024, includes spending
ceilings for each Ministries, Departments
and Public Institutions during the year
2024 along with the proposed means of
financing the expenditure. Estimates are
presented in an accounting format and
which is often too complex to the general
public.
Therefore, the Department of National

Budget intended to disseminate the
information of the Government Budget in
a simplified and less technical manner.
With this effort, it is expected that the civil
society can understand the government
priorities and leads to ensure transparency
and accountability in terms of resource
allocation and its efficient utilization.
Instead of presenting estimates by

Ministries, Departments and spending
Heads, this publication mainly provides
brief information on government
expenditure for key projects / programmes
by sectors. Further, the provisions for debt
servicing and contingency services are
not considered under sectors. For easy
reference, rupee figures of sectoral
totals have been rounded off to
the nearest billion and therefore,
there may be slight discrepancies
in tallying with the figures of the
accounting format. Further, after the
Budget Speech, this document will be
updated including Budget Proposals.

FOR WHAT, FOR WHOM 3
DEVELOPMENT
PATH TO 2048
‘By the year 2048, which marks 100 years
of independence, the background for the
new approach and new work order to make
Sri Lanka a developed country will be
prepared by these budget proposals.‘
Para 3.30 of Budget Speech 2023
2024
2022
reforms are now
almost a demand
from the citizenry 2023
2048
An Advanced
Economy
......
2025 ......
• Primary surplus of
more than 2.3 % of
GDP
• Government revenue
of 15% of GDP
IN THE MEDIUM TERM,

IT IS EXPECTED TO :
2032 Reduce public sector debt from around 128

percent of GDP as at end 2022, to no more
A digital, an than 95 percent of GDP by 2032
environmentally friendly
as well as a socially just Bring back the inflation under control to a
and a very competitive mid-single digit level
export economy
Re-establish foreign exchange reserves
Achieve a 5% medium term economic growth

Budget Summery 2024
Rs.bn
2024
Est.
Revenue 4,181
Tax Revenue 3,820
Non-Tax Revenue 341
Grants 20
Total Expenditure 7,827
Primary Expenditure 5,176
Recurrent 3,971
Capital 1,205
Interest 2,651
As per draft Budget Estimates 2024
Primary expenditure means government expenditure excluding expenditure on interest payments
How Government
Receives Revenue during 2024
Rs.bn
Category 2024-Est
Taxes on International Trade 508

Taxes on Domestic Goods and Services 2,216
License Taxes and Other 16
Taxes on Income and Profit 1,080
Non-Tax revenue 341
Grants 20
Total 4,181
As per draft Budget Estimates 2024

Expected Government Revenue for 2024 - Rs. billion
1%
8% 12%
Taxes on Internation Trade
Taxes on Domestic Goods

and Services
26% License Taxes and Other
Taxes on Income and Profit
Non-Tax revenue
Grants
0% 53%
How Government
Spends Money during 2024
2024 Expenditure As a % of 2024
Category
Rs bn - est total expenditure
Interest 2,651 34
Principal debt. repayment 1,268 16
Capital Expenditure 1,205 15
Salaries 1,107 14
Pension 386 5
Other recurrent 1,210 15
Total 7,827 100

GOVERNMENT EXPENDITURE AS A % OF 2024
TOTAL EXPENDITURE
16%
5% Interest 34%
34%
Principal 16%
Capital 15%
Salaries 14%
14% Pension 5%
Other recurrent 16%
16%
15% Rs. Billion
How Government Spent money during

2012-2022 periods (as a % of GDP)
GOVERNMENT REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE
19.8 21 20
17.3 18.2 17.9
16.8 16.7
17.5 19.4 18.5
% GDP
11.9 11.6 11.2 12.6 11.9

13.2 12.8 12.6
8.8 8.3 8.3

2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
Year
Expenditure Revenue

KEY REFORMS
INTRODUCED DURING
RECENT PAST
Improved revenue
management
• Gradual increase of VAT rates to 15% from 8%
• Introduction of a new Social Security Contribution The reforms cover
Levy
many domains and are
• Reduction of VAT threshold and exemptions
expected to address
• Changes to corporate and personal income tax
• Improvement in tax administration, including the
economic stabilization
RAMIS as well as social
• Establishment of a “Parliamentary Committee on implications of the crisis.
Ways and Means”
Improved expenditure,
debt and public financial
management
• Expenditure control and rationalization measures, including strict Circular instructions
• Reducing the retirement age of government and semi-government employees to 60 years
• No pay leave for 5 years for government servants for selected purposes
• Allowing selected personnel of the armed forces to retire early
• A Presidential Commission to review all aspects of public service to make recommendations including
necessary reforms
• Establishing Parliamentary Budget Support Office
• Establishment of a National Debt Management Agency (NDMA)
• Introducing Public Financial Management Act with binding fiscal rules
• Increasing digitalization in expenditure management (ITMIS)
• Strengthening Governance and Fighting Corruption
• Setting up of Public Expenditure Review Committees (PERC)

Pricing/SOE reforms
• Introducing Cost reflective prices for fuel, electricity and LP gas
• Establishing SOE Reform Unit under Ministry of Finance Reforms are
• Restructuring of loss-making State Own Enterprises (SOEs) demanded by the
• Re-activating the Statements of Corporate Intent (SCI) process for citizenry
key 50 SOEs
Legal Reforms to stabilise the economy

and facilitate the growth process
New Laws Revision of Laws
a. New Investment Law a. Amendments to Excise Ordinance

b. Public Asset Management Bill b. Amendments to Finance Act
c. Public Private Partnership Law c. Amendments to Foreign Exchange Act
d. States Owned Enterprise Reforms Law d. Amendments to Banking Act
e. Public Service Employment Bill
f. The Recovery of Possession of the Premises Given on
Lease (Special Provisions) Bill *The above bills and laws are in various stages
g. Enact a new, updated and unified Labor law of preparation and approval
Enhancing access to global markets

• Resumption of efforts to integrate with key markets such as India and China
• Resumption of trade negotiations with Thailand
• Implementing the FTA with Singapore
• Engage in dynamic regional trading arrangements such as Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership
(RCEP)
• Establishment of an International Trade Office to deal with all the international trade negotiations.
• Establishing Department for the Development of Cinnamon Industry

Tourism
• Identification and development of facilities for tourism promotion
• Facilitate the promotion of adventure sports/tourism
New Institutional Framework

• Data Protection Authority
• National Operations Centre under the Department of Project Management and Monitoring for tracking
implementation issues of all development interventions
Social Safety Nets

• Proper implementation of Welfare Benefits Act 2002
• Update the social registry system to cover all welfare benefit schemes
• Young women entrepreneurs engaged in informal household businesses not covered by SME Line of Credit to
benefit from a new loan scheme
• Transform farmers into agro-entrepreneurs via agro entrepreneurship villages and create greater employment
opportunities
• Strengthening existing nutritional supplemental programs for children
• Strengthen social protection institutions, delivery systems, and targeting
• Expenditure allocations to promote the utilization of skills of the elderly, differently abled and widows as
household entrepreneurs

Financial Sector
1. Completion of the asset quality review component of the bank diagnostic exercise
2. Development by the CBSL of a roadmap for addressing banking system capital and FX liquidity shortfalls and
intervening in banks assessed to be non-viable
3. Cabinet approval for a full revision of the Banking Act
4. Determination by the Ministry of Finance of the size, timing, instruments, and terms and conditions for potential
government recapitalization of viable banks which are unable to close capital shortfalls from private sources
*Source: CBSL Annual Report 2022
Monetary and Exchange Rate Policies

1. A new Central Bank Act *Source: CBSL Annual Report 2022
Public Expenditure Review Committees (PERC)
The Cabinet of Ministers at its meeting held PERC reviewed all programmes/projects of
on 06.02.2023 decided to establish 10 Public each line Ministry and ascertained whether
Expenditure Review Committees (PERC) with the the core activities were in accordance with
participation of public and private sector experts the mandate of the Ministry. Moreover, PERC
to rationalize the government expenditure of the identified duplications, wastage, and redundant
following 10 key Ministries using the Zero-Based expenditures, and prioritized all activities as per
Budgeting Approach(ZBB) to strengthen the fiscal their potential for achieving objectives of the
consolidation process and support the economic Ministry as well as national policies. In addition
recovery process. to that, they introduced short, medium and long-
term reforms to be implemented by each Ministry,
1. Ministry of Agriculture with a view to optimizing productivity and cost
effectiveness in their service delivery.
2. Ministry of Defense
3. Ministry of Education The reports of seven PERCs have already

been submitted to the Cabinet of Ministers (by
4. Ministry of Health 08/11/2023) and the recommendations of
5. Ministry of Irrigation reports have already been considered for the
preparation of 2024 Budget Estimates.
6. Ministry of Plantation Industries
7. Ministry of Public Administration, Home Affairs,

Provincial Councils and Local Government
8. Ministry of Public Security
9. Ministry of Transport and Highways
10. Ministry of Urban Development and Housing

HOW GOVERNMENT
SPENDS MONEY BY KEY
SECTORS
Rs. Billion
2024
No. Sector
Investment (Est)
01 Towards a Healthier Society 529
02 Towards a Knowledge based Economy 532
03 Fast, Safe, Convenient and Resilient Transport Network for the Country 430
04 Support to Aspirations for Affordable and Decent Living 167
05 Modernized and Sustainable Agriculture 228
06 Managing Our Environment Sustainably 36
07 Commitment towards a Peaceful Fair Society 243
08 Strengthening National Security 386
09 Strengthening Economic Services 94
10 Cleaner, Secure, Economical and Reliable Energy Supply 62
11 Efficient and Effective Public Services Delivery* 469
12 A Digitalization of Public Service 18
13 Social Protection 714
Total of Sectors 3,908
Public Debt Service 3,919
Interest Payment 2,651
Debt Amortization 1,268
Total (Sectors, emergency management and debt service) 7,827
Advanced Account 6
Total Budget 7,833
*the provision for emergency situation management is also included under this category

Budget
at a Glance
2024

Towards a Healthier Society Rs. 529 Bn
Towards a Knowledge based Economy Rs. 532 Bn
Fast, Safe, Convenient and Resilient Transport

Network for the Country Rs. 430 Bn
Support to Aspirations for Affordable and Decent Living Rs. 167 Bn
Modernized and Sustainable Agriculture Rs. 228 Bn
Managing Our Environment Sustainably Rs. 36 Bn
Commitment towards a Peaceful Fair Society Rs. 243 Bn
Strengthening National Security Rs. 386 Bn
Strengthening Economic Services Rs. 94 Bn
Cleaner, Secure, Economical and Reliable Energy Supply Rs. 62 Bn
Efficient and Effective Public Services Delivery Rs. 469 Bn
A Digitalization of Public Service Rs. 18 Bn
Social Protection Rs. 714 Bn

Towards
a Healthier
Society
Island-wide
Hospital Network
Tertiary Care Hospitals
National Hospitals - 02 • National Eye Hospital

• The National Institute of Nephrology Dialysis
Teaching Hospitals - 11
Transplantation
Specialized Hospitals - 18 • Chest Hospital, Welisara
• Castle St Hospital For Women • Leprosy Hospital, Hendala
• De Zoysa Hospital for Women • Rehabilitation Hospital, Ragama
• Lady Ridgeway Hospital for Children (LRH) • Kethumathi Women’s Hospital
• National Dental Hospital • Sirimavo Bandaranayake Children’s Hospital
• Mahamodara Specialized Teaching Hospital
• National Institute of Infectious Diseases (Angoda) District General Hospitals - 19
• Apeksha Hospital Maharagama Provincial General Hospital - 01
• National Institute of Mental Health
Rs. 4.4 Bn
for Suwasariya
Rs. 1.0 Bn Free Ambulance
for assistance to Rs. 21 Bn
KDU hospital for Thriposha Programme,
pre-school meal
& Poshanamalla
Rs. 16.9 Bn
for health
related training,
research Rs. 37.6 Bn
& development
RS. 529 for Health Facility
Development
BILLION
FOR 2024
Rs. 2.9 Bn Rs. 181.3 Bn
for Ayurvedhic and
for supply of
indigenous medicine
pharmaceuticals and
other consumables
Rs. 8.7 Bn Rs. 254.9 Bn

for prevention of communicable for facilitating to provide free
& non-communicable diseases Health Services

Strengthening free Development of
health – Flagship health facilities in
Investments in 2024 selected hospitals
² Rs. 18.9 bn for maintenance and ² Up grading health facilities in 13 selected hospitals
improvement of hospitals (providing medical equipment from X-ray machines,
Multipara monitors, MRI Scanners, CT Scanners,
² Rs.16.9 bn for training and capacity Cath Lab, and Ultrasound Scanners to these selected
development of health sector personals island hospitals etc..) Rs.3.0 bn
wide
² Specialized pediatric care complexes in Karapitiya,
² Rs. 2.2 bn for establishment of high quality Ampara and Jaffna hospitals – Rs 0.1 bn
radio therapy facility for cancer patients
² Bone marrow transplant unit in Kandy hospital –
² Rs. 8.5 bn for improving the efficiency, Rs. 0.25 bn
equity, and responsiveness of the primary
² National Stroke Center at Mulleriyawa hospital –
health care system in Uva, Sabaragamuwa,
Rs 0.26 bn
North Central and Central Provinces
² Cancer hospitals at Karapitiya, Kandy and
² Rs. 2.7 bn for clinical and infectious waste Thelippalei – Rs. 0.24 bn
management in hospitals
² Heart Center for Children (Lady Ridgeway Children’s
² Rs. 9.3 bn for providing Bio-medical Hospital) – Rs 1.5 bn
equipment, lab apparatus to hospitals
² Non-communicable disease treatment facility in Sri
² Rs. 6.1 bn for provision of food for patients Jayawardhanapura hospital – Rs. 1.2 bn
and staff uniforms.
MAJOR WELFARE PROGRAMMES
Rs. 4.4 bn Rs. 9.0 bn

“Suwasariya” Provision of supplementary
free Ambulance Service nutritional food to mothers and
infants (Thriposha Programme)
Rs. 10.0 bn Rs 2.1 bn

Nutritious food pack for Pre-School Meal
around 265,000 for around 155,000
pregnant mothers students

Towards a
Knowledge
based Economy
RS. 532 BILLION FOR 2024
Rs. 9.5 Bn Rs. 17.1 Bn Rs. 402.2 Bn Rs. 103.0 Bn

for Youth for Vocational for General University
& Sports Training & Education Education
Innovation
Science & Technology

Rs. 3.5 Bn
Vocational Training & “Nipunatha Sisudhiriya”
Skills Development scholarrship
Rs. 12.9 Bn Rs. 0.7 Bn
RS. 17.1 BN FOR VOCATIONAL

TRAINING & INNOVATION
School Education & Piriven School Infrastructure Development

Rs: 358.5 Bn Rs. 25.2 Bn
Special Education & Conducting & Evaluating
Assisted Schools Examinations
Rs. 3.3 Bn Rs. 11.3 Bn
Teacher Development Pre-School Education

Rs 3.3 Bn Rs. 0.6 Bn
RS. 402.2 BN FOR GENERAL EDUCATION

Management of State Mahapola and Bursary
Universities Rs. 2.5 Bn
Rs. 61.2 Bn
Infrastructure Development & Interest Free Loan for non-

Maintanance State University Education
Rs. 32.0 Bn Rs. 2.0 Bn
Assistance for KDU, Buddhist

Universities and SLIATE
Rs. 5.0 Bn
RS. 103.0 BN UNIVERSITY EDUCATION
Flagship Investments in 2024
Investment in Children
² Rs. 357.0 bn for providing continuous and improved education for around 10,155 schools island wide
² Rs. 4.6 bn for rehabilitation and maintenance of school facilities
² Rs. 8.0 bn for quality improvement, maintenance of standards for schools, empowerment of school base
management and social safeguards of schools island wide
² Rs. 1.1 bn for establishment of ICT hubs/smart classrooms
Investment in Skills
Development
² Rs. 0.45 bn for technical collages and technical

training development
² Rs. 1.0 bn for strengthening vocational training

centers in Niyagama & Gampaha
Rs. 4.2 bn
² Rs. 0.66 bn for improving status of employment For development of technological
of TVET Trainees laboratories in schools

Investment in
Youth
² Rs. 61.2 bn for Human Resources Management

and other Operational Expenditure of State
Universities
² Rs. 5.6 bn for construction of Technology

Faculties in Waymba, Kelaniya, Rajarata, Rs. 10.3 bn
Sabaragamuwa and Uwa Wellassa Universities for improving infrastructure of medical
in order to bring out technologists. faculties and professorial units
² Rs. 0.83 bn for development of provincial and

district sport complexes
² Rs. 4.6 bn for youth empowerment (National

Youth Corps, National Youth Service Council)
Major Subsidy / Welfare Programmes on

Education
Pre-School Education
• Guru Abhimanii (allowance for preschool teachers)- Rs.0.55 bn
School Higher Education and

Education Technical Education
• Providing free text books - Rs. 20.0 bn • Mahapola and Bursaries for around 100,000
university students- Rs. 2.5 bn
• Providing school uniforms to around 4.5
million students -Rs. 6.0 bn • Interest free loan scheme for students who are
unable to get into state universities -
• School nutritional food programme aiming
Rs. 2.0 bn
around 1 million students – Rs.16.7 bn
• “Nipunatha Sisu Diriya” scholarship
• Shoes for around 728,000 students in
programme for students in vocational
difficult and very difficult schools -
education and training – Rs.0.7 bn
Rs. 2.5 bn
• Season ticket for students in technical and
• Continuation of “Suraksha” Health Insurance
vocational education - Rs.0.18 bn
Scheme for all Students – Rs.2.0 bn
• Nutrition for national sport pools –
• Scholarship - Grade 5 students-
Rs. 0.28 bn
Rs.0.94 bn

Fast, Safe,
Convenient
and Resilient
Transport
Network for
the Country
Rs. 7.0 Bn Rs. 98 Bn Rs. 325 Bn

Port and Aviation Transport Road Development
Port and related infrastructure development Rs. 6.4 Bn
Institutional support Rs. 0.6 Bn
Port and Aviation

Rs. 7.0 Bn
Maintanance of railway fleet and other infrastructure - Rs. 12.5 Bn
Rail Road and related infrastructure development - Rs. 29.2 Bn
Adding new rolling stock to railway fleet - Rs. 1.4 Bn
Institutional support to related institutions - Rs. 38.8 Bn
Strengthening bus fleet of SLTB - Rs. 3.2 Bn

Transport
Season, Bus passes and other welfare - Rs. 12.9 Bn Rs. 98 Bn

Development of Bridges and Flyovers - Rs. 19.7 bn
Road Maintenance & Improvements - Rs. 28.0 bn
Expressway Development - Rs. 99.4 bn
Road Development - Rs. 177.6 bn

Road Development
Rs. 325 Bn

Roads Rs. 73.0 bn for
the continuation
² Rs. 21.0 bn for regular maintenance of the more than 12,000 km of
of construction
island wide national roads network along with around 4,500 bridges
works of Centrel
² Rs. 4.0 bn for construction of five Fly-Overs connecting Baladaksha
Expressway
Mawatha with Chittampalam A. Gardiner Mawatha, above the
railway line at Uttarananda Mawatha and Justice Akbar Mawatha and from
Kohuwala and Gatambe Kadawatha-
² Rs. 6.0 bn for rehabilitation and improvement of 140 km long Meerigama
Badulla – Chenkallady Road and Pothuhera-
² Rs. 11.0 bn for establishing a modernized multimodal transport Rambukkana
center to Kandy City
² Rs. 14.5 bn for paying compensation to acquired lands for Rs. 20.0 bn for
construction and improvement of roads 5.3 km long Port
² Rs. 43.0 bn for completion of critical activities of already
Access Elevated
commenced rural, provincial and national roads under various road Highway from
development programmes to be enhance to a mortarable level Ingurukade
² Rs.3.0 bn for development of 7.4 km Orugodawatta - Ambatale Junction to Port
road including 6 bridges, 5.4 km Maharagama - Piliyandala road City
and 14.5 km Kottawa - Thalagala Road and Kurichchankerny
Bridge
Rs. 3.2 bn for
² Rs. 1.3 bn for completion of critical activities related to rehabilitation
purchase of 600
and improvements of rural roads and bridges in rural areas
buses to SLTB
² Rs. 7.1 bn for construction of rural bridges island wide
to operate in rural
areas.

² Rs.15.3 bn to provide fuel to operate trains
Public Transportation
² Rs. 1.5 bn to repair bus engines, gear
boxes, bus bodies for augmentation of the
² Rs. 14.0 bn for introducing E- Ticket system
bus fleet
to reserve tickets and seats of 340 Railway
Stations
² Rs. 10.5 bn for rehabilitation of railway tracks, Ports

rolling stock (engines, passenger coaches,
DMUs) and signaling system ² Rs.5.3 bn for the expansion of Colombo Port
and rehabilitation of Kankasanthurei Port
² Rs.13.3 bn for rehabilitation of 130 km of
Maho- Omanthai rail track, 10 km of Kandy-
Peradeniya- Kadugannawa rail track
Major Subsidy Programmes
• Subsidy for school season tickets (536,000 per month) – Rs 10.5 bn
• Passes of armed forces (29,000 annually) - Rs. 0.4 bn
• Buses Operating on Unremunerated Routes (around 271,000 km per day along 1,500
unremunerated Routs) - Rs.2.0 bn
• Contribution for socially obligatory bus services (Sisu Sariya, Nisi Sariya and Gami Sariya, late
night services - Rs. 2.0 bn
• Financial Assistance to SLTB – Rs. 0.1 bn

Support to
Aspirations
for
Affordable
and Decent
Living
Urban Development
and Housing Water Supply
Rs. 47 Bn Rs. 120.0 Bn
Urban Development and Housing - Rs. 47 bn

Rs Bn
City Development 8.0
Rural and Semi-urban Infrastructure 10.6
Housing Development 28.0
Water Supply - Rs. 120.0 bn

Rs Bn
Development of Water Supply Schemes 75.0
Efficiency Improvement of Water Supply System 13.8
Capacity Improvement of Water Supply System 10.0
Sanitation / Sewerage Facility Development 11.6
Rural & Community Water System Development 9.6

Flagship Investments in 2024 Rs.15.4 bn for providing
50,000 decent houses
² Rs. 29.7 bn to establish the capacity of providing pipe
to urban estate dwellers
borne water to around 1 million households in Kundasale, living in Applewatta,
Harispaththuwa, Pathadhumbara, Poojapitiya, Akurana, Madampitiya, Rajawatta,
Yatinuwara, Jaffna, Nallur, Veelanai, Kytes, Chenkanai, Cyril Perera Mawatha,
Palai, Mahawa and Polpithigama Divisional Secretariats,
Bloemendhal Flats,
Mathale, Ukuwela, Raththota, Nawula, Yatawaththa,
Pallepola, Abangaga Divisional Secretariats, Ruwanwella,
Dematagoda, Kalinga
Bulathkohupitiya, Yatiyanthota Divisional Secretariats, Padaviya, Mawatha-Colombo 05
Horoupathana, Kahatagasdigiliya, Kabithigollewa,and and Torrington Mawatha-
Rambawa areas Colombo 07)
² Rs. 5.0 bn for enhancing energy efficiency of water provision

to Kaduwela, Kotte, Kolonnawa and Sri- Jayawardhanapura Rs.3.2 bn for 2,000 houses
areas for low income earners
in the areas of Peliyagoda,
² Rs 10.0 bn for provision of 475,000 new water connections,
Dematagoda, Maharagama,
8,000 new sewerage connections by capacity enhancement of
Moratuwa and Kottawa
existing schemes
² Rs. 6.2 bn for community water supply development in Rs. 8.7 bn for reducing
Nuwaraeliya, Monaragala, Kilinochchi, Mulative, Badulla, non-revenue water
Kegalle and Rathnapura Districts
from 49% to 18% in
² Rs.11.0 bn for Provision of sewerage facilities to Kandy Colombo North, Colombo
City area, Yatinuwara, Rathmalana, Moratuwa, Kelaniya, East, Colombo South and
Negambo MC area, Galle MC area, Colombo MC, Colombo West
Unawatuna, Kelaniya and Peliyagoda area
Housing Urban Development
² Rs. 2.0 bn for more than 18,500 housing units for ² Rs. 0.6 bn for Development of 100 cities by
urban, rural, low-income families, Wirusumithuru providing commercial and public facilities,
and families affected by chronic kidney disease Urban Parks and Water Parks, Vehicle Parks and
Bus Terminals
² Rs. 2.0 bn for 6,759 housing units for displaced
people in North and East Provinces ² Rs. 2.0 bn for the development of
Anuradhapura City
² Rs. 4.6 bn for providing more than 10,000
housing units in the estate sector ² Rs. 0.4 bn for rehabilitation of Jaffna town hall
Major Subsidy Programmes

• Interest payment for “Soduru Piyasa”, “Sihina Maliga”, credit scheme for middle
income housing buyers – Rs. 0.4 bn

Modernized
and Sustainable
Agriculture -
safe, nutritious,
affordable and
sustainable food for all
citizens at all times
Agriculture Irrigation Plantation

Rs. 84.2 Bn Rs. 105.2 Bn Rs. 10.0 Bn
Fisheries Livestock Lands

Rs. 7.3 Bn Rs. 3.5 Bn Rs. 17.8 Bn
² Rs.13.8 bn for maintenance and improvement of tanks,

reservoirs, anicuts, canals and other irrigation related
infrastructure Rs. 50.0 bn for
² Rs. 14.3 bn for promoting value addition in agricultural
products and dissemination of of new technology aiming export
new reservoirs
market and capacity
² Rs. 25.6 bn for enhancing climate resiliency of agriculture
improvement of
related infrastructure and agriculture production
² Rs. 1.3 bn for providing high quality seeds and planting

existing reservoirs
materials including Yan
Rs. 5.3 bn for ensuring sustainability of Mahaweli related
²
reservoirs
Oya, Uma Oya,
² Rs. 3.5 bn for construction of Gandara Fishery Harbor Thalpitigala
² Rs. 0.4 bn for anchorage development in Myladdy, Mawella Reserviour,
and Rekawa fishery harbors.
Moragahakanda
² Rs. 9.0 bn for acquisition of lands for state development
purposes and Kaluganga
² Rs. 0.4 bn for surveying 16 million lots of lands and issuing
Tittles – Bim Saviya

Welfare / Subsidies in the Sector
• Island wide fertilizer subsidiary program - Rs. 19.5 bn
• Farmer’s Pension for around 175,000 farmers - Rs. 5.3 bn
• Insurance for crop cultivation - Rs. 1.0 bn
• Subsidies for Rubber new planting, replanting and infilling - Rs. 0.5 bn
• Encourage Small and Medium Scale coconut growers - Rs. 0.5 bn
• Matching grants for value addition and export oriented agriculture - Rs. 1.6 bn
• Subsidy for tea and rubber growers to increase the cultivation - Rs. 0.27 bn
• Subsidies for tea new planting, replanting and infilling - Rs. 0.5 bn
• Subsidies for export oriented minor crops and related entrepreneur support - Rs. 0.4 bn
• Contribution to ‘Diyawara Diriya ‘ Loan scheme - Rs. 0.013 bn

Managing
Our
Environment
Sustainably
RS. 36.0 BILLION FOR 2024
Rs. 16.3 Bn Rs. 5.6 Bn

Disaster and Environment
Strom
Water Management
Rs. 6.3 Bn Rs. 7.9 Bn

Waste Wildlife
Management
Flagship Investments Rs. 5.5 bn

in 2024 for providing
final disposal
² Rs.13.0 bn for ensuring people are safe from disasters
including - minimizing the impact of disasters, resettlement from facility for the
landslide vulnerable areas, landslide vulnerability mitigation
1200 tons/day
² Rs:1.8 bn for meteorological functions
Municipal Solid
² Rs. 1.1 bn for forest protection and coverage expansion
Waste collected
² Rs. 1.0 bn for provision of environmental friendly technologies
for industries from the Local
² Rs. 1.55 bn for storm water management in Kolonnawa, Authorities of
Kelaniya, Oliyamulla, Dehiwala, Mt. Lavinia, Rathmalana,
Maharagama areas
Metro Colombo
² Rs. 0.15 bn for renovation of around 500 km of existing Region
Electric Fences

Commitment
towards a
Peaceful &
Fair Society
Rs. 5.5 Bn Rs. 9.4 Bn
Mass Media Religious &
Cultural Affairs
RS. 243
Rs. 19.4 Bn BILLION Rs. 41.2 Bn
Justice and
Cost Guard and
Civil Security
FOR 2024 Prison
Rs. 28.0 Bn Rs. 137.7 Bn

Democratic Public
Governance Security
Justice
² Rs. 2.6 bn for Modernization and Renovation of Superior Courts Complex
² Rs. 1.2 bn for Construction of Courts in Anuradhapura, Matale, Jaffna,

Polonnaruwa, Galle, Matara, Gampola, Walapane, Wattala, Ruwanwella,
Mullaithivu, Mankulam, Ratnapura, Welimada, Kilinochchi, Theldeniya,
Kantale and Pugoda
² Rs. 1.0 bn for Construction of Magistrate Courts
² Rs 9.3 bn for administration of 223 Courts and 39 Labour Tribunals

Justice & island-wide
Prison
Prison
² Rs. 6.0 bn for provision of Diets for prisoners
² Rs. 0.4 bn for enhancement of sanitary facilities in prisons

Democratic Governance
² Rs. 10.0 bn for conducting fair elections
² Rs. 4.3 bn for strengthening legislative power of people
² Rs. 0.38 bn for strengthening human rights
Civil Security
² Rs. 17.9 bn for paying salaries, wages and allowances of
around 33,800 Civil Security Officers
Public Security
² Rs. 80.2 bn for salaries and wages of more than 82,000 Police Officers
² Rs. 5.4 bn for providing diets and uniforms of Police Officers
Boarder Control Measures

² Rs.1.7 bn for purchasing blank travel documents
(passports) and deliverables
Rs. 4.2 bn for implementing
Registration of Persons Anti-Corruption Act, No. 9 of
² Rs.1.0 bn for purchasing pre-printed cards for 2023 to create a society free of
Identity Cards bribery and corruption.
Religious & Cultural Affairs

² Rs. 1.2 bn for achieves management and conservation projects
² Rs.0.23 bn for archaeological conservation and management Projects
² Rs. 0.34 bn for maintenance of John De Silva Theatre, National Art Gallery,
Tower Hall Theatre, Galle Heritage, Kandyan Heritage, Folk Art Centre, Art
Council and Amaradewa Asapuwa under the Promotion of performing art
activities including Drama, Music and Dancing
² Rs. 0.1 bn for religious and cultural ceremonies
² Dhamma school text books for students - Rs. 0.25 bn

Dhamma
School ² Facilitating Dhamma school teachers - Rs. 0.63 bn

Strengthening
National
Security
Rs. 357.3 Bn Rs. 28.6 Bn

National Security Rehabilitation and
Improvement of
Assets
Flagship Investments
in 2024
² Rs.9.0 bn for completion of Akuregoda Defense Head
Quarters Building No 1,2,3, and 4 Welfare / Subsidies
² Rs. 1.6 bn for construction of quay at Dockyard in the Sector
Trincomalee
² Rs. 187.4 bn for salaries, wages and other allowances • “Ranawiru Mapiya” allowances
of Tri-forces for 253,110 beneficiaries -
Rs. 2.3 bn
² Rs. 98.7 bn for diets and uniform of Tri-forces
² Rs. 28.6 bn for maintenance, rehabilitation and

improvement of assets of Tri-forces

Strengthening
Economic
Services
RS. 94 BN
FOR 2024
Rs. 20.0 Bn
for Postal
Rs. 6.8 Bn Rs. 2.2 Bn

for Productive for Trade &
Labor Force Commerce
Rs. 10.2 Bn Rs. 2.3 Bn

for Attracting for Tourism
Investments
Rs. 52.2 Bn
for Ensuring Financial
Resources for
SMEs
Rs: 20.0 billion for Postal

Rs Bn
Salaries, wages and other allowances for maintaining postal service island wide 15.0
Rs: 2.2 billion for Trade & Commerce

Rs Bn
Protecting Consumers 0.5
Warehouse construction 0.3
Rs: 2.3 billion for Tourism

Rs Bn
Development of Botanical Gardens 0.83
Attracting tourists and promoting tourism 1.5

Rs: 52.2 billion for Ensuring Financial Resources for SMEs
Rs Bn
Supporting to access financial resources for SMEs 26.6
Credit Guarantee for SMEs 17.5
SME loans 1.9
Rs: 10.2 billion for Attracting Investments

Rs Bn
Providing Facilities to Colombo Financial City 1.5
Industry Related Infrastructure Development 1.8
Facilitating Industries through the Institutions 6.1
Technology Transfer to Industries 0.8
Rs: 6.8 billion for Productive Labor Force

Rs Bn
Assisting to safe regular labor migration 0.2
Flagship Investments
in 2024 Rs. 26.6 bn for Providing
Small and Medium-Sized
² Rs. 1.0 bn for development of infrastructure Enterprise Line of Credit
facilities of industrial estates.
aiming Entrepreneur Finance
² Rs. 0.5 bn for development of infrastructure Initiatives, Emergency Response
facilities in Wagawatta and Bingiriya industrial zones
Component (ERC) to provide
² Rs. 2.5 bn to provide financial assistance to permanent working capital loans
Companies to commence or expand economically
or financially viable projects to expand production for economic crisis affected
medium and small entrepreneurs
² Rs. 6.8 bn for facilitating for development of a
productive labor force
Rs. 17.5 bn for establishment
² Rs. 1.5 bn for providing utility services to the
boarder of Colombo Financial City of a National Credit
² Rs. 0.6 bn to provide required facilities to tourist Guarantee Institution to ensure
destinations like Nuwaraeliya, Kalpitiya, Ella, access to finance bottleneck
Arugumbokka areas
faced by SMEs which are having
² Rs. 0.81 bn for managing botanical gardens difficulties in finding collateral
located in Gampaha, Hambantota, Avissawella
requirements
and Haggala

Cleaner, Secure,
Economical and
Reliable Energy
Supply
Rs. 27.0 Bn
Renewable
Energy
Rs. 35.0 Bn
for system
improvement
| Rs. 3.6 bn for construction of

Hybrid renewable energy systems in
small islands - Delft, Analative and
Nainative
| Rs. 18.0 bn for Rooftop Solar

Power Generation Line of Credit to
shift to renewable energy sources with
the view of promoting environmental
friendly low cost energy sources
| Rs. 1.7 bn for Colombo Waste to

Energy Power Plant – converting waste
to energy
| Rs. 30.0 bn for Habarana-
Veyangoda Transmission
| Rs.3.2 bn for Battery Energy
line development and enhancing
Storage at Hambantota
transmission capacity and reducing
| Rs. 1.1 bn for providing solar transmission losses of the national grid
Facilitation for Religious Places and Moragolla Power Plant.

Efficient and
Effective
Public Service
Delivery
RS. 469* BILLION FOR 2024
Rs. 13.6 Bn
Public
Administration
Rs. 4.0 Bn
Land, Birth,
Death, Marriage,
Rs. 48.8 Bn
District
Registration
Administration
Rs. 0.6 Bn Rs. 22.9 Bn

Executive Provincial and
Institutions Local Authority
Service Delivery
Rs. 59.7 Bn Rs. 19.6 Bn

Finance and Foerign Affairs
Economy
*The allocation for emergency situtation management is also included.
² Rs. 19.6 bn for maintenance of diplomatic relations with foreign countries and broadening cooperation
² Rs. 0.98 bn for capacity development
² Rs. 46.5 bn to continuously supply of services provided by divisional and district secretariat
² Rs. 28.7 bn for facilitation of Provincial and Local Government Service Delivery (except health and
education)
² Rs. 2.26 bn for completion of construction of Buildings in District and Divisional Secretariats

How Public Sector Employment Grew
during 2010-2023
2,000,000
1,754,263
1,800,000 1,701,890 1,714,989 1,715,417
1,551,598 1,581,694 1,602,031
1,600,000 1,492,985 1,498,292 1,520,826
1,433,600
1,341,571
1,400,000 1,293,334 1,301,387
1,423,116 1,401,260 1,393,883
1,353,276 1,375,499 1,370,633 1,377,764 1,372,507
1,200,000 1,279,849 1,298,529 1,302,258 1,316,863
1,243,190
1,211,975
1,000,000
805,802 792,317 783,238
754,548 756,339 742,960 740,574 764,975
800,000 703,600 722,950
643,748 643,399 661,837 683,719
600,000
398,528 397,194
332,107 363,248 378,933 375,752
377,445 374,330 372,033 385,311 392,528 400,897 390,061 389,105
400,000
200,000
236,121 236,543 239,079 239,058 221,213 219,583 226,695 233,849 235,145 236,293 227,253 219,838 212,117 210,338
0
2010 -
2011 -
2012 -
2013 -
2014 -
2015 -
2016 -
2017 -
2018 -
2019 -
2020 -
2021 -
2022 -
2023 -
Approved Cadre Total Actual Cadre Total Actual Cadre National
Actual Cadre Provincial Counsils Actual Cadre State Owned Enterprises
Expenditure on Salaries of Public Servants
Public Sector Salaries (Rs.Bn) 1,107

1,058
1,102
1,200
940
893
1,000
779
712
800
671
661
629
600
488
438
385
363
337
400
200
0
2011
2021
2014
2012
2022
2013
Revised
2015
2023
2016
2018
2019
2010
2017
2020
2024
Estimate
National Provincial Council State Owned Exterprises Total

Number of Public Servants at National and
Provincial Level by Profession
12,314
24,189
38,584
8,949
2,350
249,909
224,859
13,969
29,710
19,243
8,722
19,292 92,962
26,030
85,427
37,313
230,268
10,288
20,373
7,418
Executive Staff in All Island Service Agriculture Research &

Production Assistant
Medical Officers
Security Personnel
Nursing Officers
Police Officers/
Midwife Special Task Force (Uniform Cadre)
Public Health Inspector Home Guard/ Civil Guard
Teachers Postal (Departmental)
Development Officers Driver Service
Management Service Officers OES Service
Grama Niladharis Multi Purpose Development Office Aide
Samurdhi Development Officer Railways (Departmental)
Other
Source : Department of Management Services, Department of National Budget

Pensions – How the number of Pensioners
and expenditure on pensions grew overtime
No. of Pensioners
800,000
700,000
600,000
500,000
400,000
300,000
2011 -
2010 -
2012 -
2013 -
2014 -
2015 -
2016 -
2017 -
2018 -
2019 -
2020 -
2021 -
2022 -
2023 -
2024 EST -
Source : Department of National Budget
Annual Expenditure on Pensions

500
450
400
385
350 375
Rs. Billion
300 309
270
250 258
239
200
194
182
150 172
156
123 127
100
50
0
Revised
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
Estimate
Total Pensions + Service Compensation Widows, Widowers and Orphans Pensions

Total Pensions Service Compensation for Death & Injured Soldiers
Monthly Pensions Gratuity Payments
Source : Department of National Budget

FOSTERING DIGITAL
TRANSFORMATION
IN SRI LANKA
The rapid evolution of technology in the information enhance the efficiency of government service delivery
and communication sector has not only dramatically and to bolster the competitiveness of the IT and
reshaped economic and social activities but also Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) industry. These
continues to innovate at an astonishing pace in all objectives will be pursued by focusing on key priorities,
other sectors as well. Digitalization has become a including data protection, the development of related
critical driver of global economic activities and across infrastructure, cyber security enhancement, and skills
various sectors, encompassing finance, education, development.
healthcare, transportation, manufacturing etc.
In this endeavor, we place great emphasis on
In an era defined by the rapid evaluation of technology, bridging the “digital divide,” ensuring that all
embracing the digital age is not merely an option; citizens have equitable access to connectivity, digital
but an imperative for the country’s progress and skills, and technology. We have already connected
development. approximately 860 government institutions, ranging
from Divisional Secretariats to District Secretariats,
In Sri Lanka, the wave of digitalization has already Ministries, and a selected set of Departments, through
swept through several sectors, with banking and the Lanka Government Network (LGN). This network,
finance, e-commerce, private healthcare, and established with the intent of safe data sharing between
telecommunications at the forefront. The adoption of government institutions, is poised to expand to 1,700
digital solutions is on a steady rise, and our digital public institutions in the near future.
infrastructure is well-developed. By the end of 2022,
the number of internet connections was nearly on par Moreover, around 200 government institutions have
with our country’s population. Seamless 4G mobile harnessed the Lanka Government Cloud as their
coverage is also providing widespread internet access server. Additionally, we have already digitalized most
across most of the island. government expenditure and revenue management
systems, eliminating geographical constraints. This
Yet, even in the face of such significant progress, transformation empowers the general public to
there is still much ground to cover in realizing the access government services from their own locations,
full potential of the digitalization including a digital reducing the need for physical visits, and in doing so,
economy. To accelerate this transformation, the saving both time and precious resources.
government has embarked on a journey to digitalize
the public sector. Our core objectives are clear: to As we move forward, we remain steadfast in our

commitment to cultivate a digital ecosystem that In 2024, the government aims to spend Rs 18 Billion
empowers our nation. Together, we shall continue to towards accelerating digitalization of Sri Lanka’s
harness the boundless potential of digital technology economy and service delivery by leveraging advanced
for the betterment of Sri Lanka. Our budget for 2024 is technology-based solutions
designed to propel this digital transformation forward.
Overall Objectives
of the 2024 IT
budget: Key areas:
1. Transition to an inclusive digital 1. Digital infrastructure.

economy and digitalized service
2. E-Governance.
delivery.
3. Digital Literacy and Education.
2. Government-facilitated digital
business platform for investment. 4. Tech Industry Development.
3. Leveraging human-centric technology 5. Digital Healthcare.

to overcome the current economic
crisis. 6. Cyber Security.
4. Reduce the digital divide and ensure 7. Digital Inclusion.

digital transformation reaches every 8. Digital Economy.
corner of the country.

RS. 18.0 BILLION FOR DIGITALIZATION OF
GOVERNMENT INSTITUTIONS
Finance
| Revenue Administration Management Information System (RAMIS) – Rs. 4.56 bn

| Maintenance of ASYCUDA IT System - Rs. 0.17 bn
| Excise Revenue Management System (EDSL) – Rs. 0.84 bn
| e-Government Procurement Project- Rs. 0.42 bn
| Rolling out of ITMIS Programme to expenditure units – Rs. 0.58 bn
Technology
| Digitalization of Government operations (LGN,LGC etc) – Rs. 1.9 bn

| Data Protection Authority to safeguard the information of the public through
an efficient monitoring and regulatory process – Rs. 0.2 bn
Transport
| E-motoring and on-line examination of Department of Motor Traffic- Rs.1.1 bn
Health
| Maintenance of digital Health Information System in hospitals – Rs. 0.20 bn

| Expanding the medical supplies management information systems up to
divisional hospitals – Rs. 0.095 bn
Education
| Digital education infrastructure maintenance programme – Rs. 0.12 bn

| E- Thaksalawa – Rs. 0.27 bn
Public Administration
| E- Grama Niladhari initiatives – Rs 1.25 bn

| E-Land and e-Population projects – Rs. 0.18 bn
| Establishment of a data base for local authorities – Rs. 0.030 bn

Land
| State Land Information Management System (e-slim) – Rs. 0.045 bn

| Land Information Service System in Sri Lanka – Rs 0.25 bn
Religious
| Integrated management information system of religious and cultural

departments, including digitalization of “Thripitakaya” – Rs. 0.035 bn
| Establishment of Digital Repository for Achieves – Rs. 0.12 bn
Justice
| Prison Information Management System – Rs. 0.050 bn
Public Security
| E-national Identity Card – Rs. 3.0 bn
Labor
| Improvement of EPF information system for effective service delivery –

Rs. 0.1 bn

SOCIAL
PROTECTION
Rs. 714 bn
Aswasuma Pensions
Programme and
Rs. 200.0 bn Gratuity
• Cash Grants for Low Income Families – • Pensions for Public Officers (730,000
Rs. 183.3 bn pensioners) - Rs. 270.0 bn
• Support for low income Disabled Persons • Service compensation for death and
– Rs. 4.3 bn injured soldiers (41,800 soldiers) –
Rs. 44.5 bn
• Financial Support for Elderly (Over 70
years of age) – Rs. 10.0 bn • Pension for widows, widowers and
orphans of public officers – Rs. 68.0 bn
• Financial Support for Elderly (Over 100
years of age) – Rs. 0.03 bn • Gratuity payments - Rs. 47.0 bn
• Financial Support for Kidney Patients – • Railway Warrants for pensioners –

Rs. 2.3 bn Rs. 0.42 bn
Other
• Interest difference payment for senior

citizens’ deposits –
Rs. 20.0 bn
• World Food Programme –

Rs. 1.8 bn
• Samurdhi fund re-imbursement –

Rs. 36.0 bn
• Allowance for July Strikers - • Co-ordination and implementation of

Rs. 0.012 bn social development programme –
Rs 26.6 bn

The Budget 2024
as per Accounting
Format
Rs. Bn
2024 Estimate
1 Recurrent 5,354
Personal Emoluments 1,145
Interest Payments 2,651
Subsidies & Household Transfers 1,065
Other Recurrent 493
2 Capital 1,205
Domestically Funded Projects 380
Foreign Funded Projects 625
Development Assistance 42
Restructuring/Equity Contribution 70
Other Capital 88
3 Debt Amortization 1,268
Domestic 994
Foreign 274
4 Advance Account 6
Total 7,833

Welfare
Programs
1. Welfare Benefit Program

Rs. 200,000 million has been allocated by 2024 estimates to provide
financial assistance to low-income earners as well as to provide benefits
for the elderly, disabled, and kidney patients. This program is implemented
by direct remittance of money to the identified beneficiaries under the
Aswasuma welfare benefit program to their bank accounts. Under this
program, it is expected to provide relief to 2,000,000 families.
2. Empowerment of Low-income Families
It is intended to empower all beneficiary families economically,

psychologically, and socially within 3 years through the Aswasuma
Welfare Benefit Program. As a pilot project of this program, Rs.
1,050 million has been allocated for the year 2024 to empower the
transitional and vulnerable family groups who will leave next year’
from the welfare benefits program.
3. Saubhagya Village Programme
Under this program, the government will provide facilities for the
development of the livelihood of the people living in those areas by
identifying the local production specialties organizing them as production
villages, and targeting the local and foreign markets. A provision of
Rs. 150 million has been allocated in the year 2024 to facilitate the
production of villages that have already been started to cover all the
districts of the island.
4. Payment of Pension
Monthly pension for more than 730,000 retired government employees,

gratuity, and widows’/ widow male’ and orphans’ pensions to the
dependents of deceased government employees are paid. In the year
2024, Rs. 385,458 million has been allocated for pension payments.
5. War Heroes’ Parental Care Allowance Program
For the year 2024, Rs. 2,280 million is allocated for the payment
of parental care allowance of Rs. 750/- per month for 253,333
parents of war heroes who lost their lives due to war.
6. Payment of Service Compensation on behalf of

Disabled War Heroes
In the year 2024, Rs. 44,500 million has been allocated for the payment
of service compensation to 41,800 beneficiaries including the members
of the Tri-Services and Sri Lanka Police who were disabled from the
terrorist activities and dependents of deceased war heroes.
7. Vocational Training Centers for Students with

Different Abilities
An amount of Rs. 35 million has been allocated in the year 2024,

for the infrastructure development of 08 Sinhala Language Medium
Vocational Training Institutes, 02 Tamil Language Medium Training
Institutes, and 01 English Medium Training Institutes operating under
the Department of Social Services with the objective of empowering
the differently abled youth and socializing them as participants in
economic development through skill development.

Health Related
Assistance
8. Supply of Medicines to Government Hospitals

According to recent data, government hospitals have provided healthcare
services to 40 million out-door patients and 6 million in-patients per
year. Rs. 180,300 million has been allocated through the 2024 estimate
only for providing medicines and medical supplies required for patient
treatment services at approximately 1300 hospitals and medical centers
all over the island.
9. 1990 - Suvasarya Free Ambulance Service
According to approximate data 1990 Suvasarya Ambulance Service,

which operates 24 hours a day, has provided services to 350,000
patients for a year. To further expand and maintain these services in
2024, provisions of Rs. 4,400 million has been allocated.
10. Nutrition Allowance Program for Expectant Mothers

Every pregnant mother registered in maternity clinics was given 10
vouchers worth Rs. 2,000 per month to obtain nutritious food items for 06
months during the pregnancy period and 04 months during the lactation
period. It has been increased to Rs. 45,000 as 10 vouchers worth Rs.
4,500 per month from 2023. For the year 2024, Rs. 10,000 million in
provisions has been allocated.
11. Triposha Programme
Triposha can be identified as a food supplement that is very high in

nutritional value. All pregnant mothers, all lactating mothers up to 6
months, malnourished children (between 06 months and 05 years,
children below the -2SD weight line, children showing rapid weight
loss for 03 months as per child health and development record),
ward patients belonging to the above groups are distributed 2 of
750g packets per month. In year 2024, Rs. 9,000 million has been
allocated for this program.

12. Morning Meal Program for Preschool Children
This program is carried out, with the primary objective of meeting the
nutritional needs of pre-school children suffering from nutritional deficiency.
Special attention will be paid to fulfill the needs of approximately 155,000
preschool children (including 35,000 estate-based preschool children) in
all divisional secretariat divisions of the island through this morning meal
program. An amount of Rs. 2,102 million has been allocated for this
program in the year 2024.
Education Related
Assistance
13. Providing School Textbooks

The government is committed to providing free textbooks to approximately
4.2 million students, including those in government and government-
aided schools, as well as clergy students in Piriven. For this initiative, Rs.
20,000 million has been allocated in 2024 to ensure the provision of
school textbooks.
14. Providing School Uniforms
Uniforms are provided annually by the government for free to the

approximately 4.5 million students, including those in government
and government-aided schools, as well as clergy students in Piriven.
Accordingly, Rs. 6,000 million has been allocated in 2024 for the
provision of school uniforms.
15. Providing Shoes for School Students

This program offers gift vouchers for purchasing shoes to benefit the
currently identified 750,000 students in remote, extremely remote,
and isolated schools, as well as Piriven Bhikkhus and Seela maatha of
Seelamaatha monasteries. An allocation of Rs. 2,540 million has been
earmarked for this purpose in the year 2024.

16. Suraksha Student Insurance Program
“Suraksha” student insurance program will be implemented for all

Sri Lankan lay-ordained students studying in all government schools,
assisted schools, and pirivenas. Money will be reimbursed for
hospitalization, medical examinations, etc. About 600,000 students
will get this benefit annually and an allocation of Rs. 2,000 million
has been provided for 2024
17. Scholarship Program for Grade 5 Students

Every year, 20,000 students are selected based on the results of the
5th-grade scholarship test to support children from low-income families
who excel in learning, including 250 students with special needs. They
will receive a monthly allowance of Rs. 750 up to the completion of
their G.E.C. (A/L). In 2024, a provision of Rs 937.5 million has been
earmarked for 135,000 scholarship winners from grade 6 to grade 13.
18. Award of Scholarships for Advanced Level

Technology Subject
Students attending schools that offer new technical subject streams

and come from low-income families receive a monthly allowance
of Rs. 750 to assist in their ongoing education. An allocation of Rs.
10.5 million has been made in the 2024 annual budget estimates
for this purpose.
Furthermore, the Sujata Diyani Scholarship Program provides an

allowance to 250 female students from low-income families studying
G.E.C. (A/L) technical streams to alleviate financial challenges. They
receive Rs. 750 per month, and for the year 2024, a provision of Rs.
3.75 million has been allocated in the annual budget.
19. Mahapola Scholarship and Bursary Program

The Mahapola scholarship program for higher education offers a monthly
stipend of Rs. 5,000 to eligible students from low-income families who are
pursuing university and higher education. This program benefits nearly
64,000 scholarship recipients. In addition to contributions from the fund,
the government also plays a role in providing Mahapola scholarships.
In addition to the Mahapola scholarship scheme, a bursary program has been implemented to provide financial
support to university students, with the entire cost being covered by the government. Through the bursary program,
36,000 scholarship recipients will receive a monthly allowance of Rs. 4,000. In the year 2024, an allocation of
Rs. 2,500 million has been made to provide Mahapola and bursaries to nearly 100,000 students.

20. Interest-free Loan Scheme for Students Pursuing
Degree Courses in Non-Government Higher
Education Institutions
The Ministry of Education, in collaboration with non-state higher

education institutions, has introduced an interest-free loan scheme of Rs.
800,000 for students who do not secure admission to state universities
after passing G.E.C. (A/L). This loan facilitates their pursuit of degree
courses in non-state higher education institutions. A total of 18,000 students have benefited from this loan
scheme, and Rs. 2,000 million has been allocated in the 2024 budget estimate for its continued implementation.
Furthermore, an additional interest-free student loan of Rs. 300,000 is also provided to cover other educational-
related expenditures of the students.
21. Allowance for Pre-School Teachers (Guru Abhimani)

Rs. 550 million has been allocated in the year 2024 to pay the “Guru
Abhimani” allowance of Rs. 2,500 per month for 18,000 preschool
teachers to enhance the quality of the preschool sector and evaluate the
service of preschool teachers by identifying preschool teachers as a key
stakeholder in human resource development.
22. School Nutrition Program
This prorgamme is implemented under the theme of healthy and

active offspring and with the aim of minimizing nutrition related issues
among children, improving daily attendance of students, developing
good health and food habits and building a local food culture.
Accordingly, Rs 16,700 million has been allocated to provide lunch
for 1,082,000 students of grade 1 to 5 of selected schools.
23. Facilitate to Dhamma school teachers
Rs. 635 million has been allocated through the 2024 budget to provide
an allowance of Rs.5000 each for more than 125,000 teachers as an
appreciation of the service of the teachers who have served with dedication
in Dhamma schools for a long time.
24. Skilled Student Encouragement Scholarship Program

for Students Pursuing Vocational Education
A provision of Rs. 700 million rupees has been allocated in the

year 2024 to provide vocational education to 65,300 school leavers
from economically low-income families.

Agriculture
and Plantation
Assistance
25. Tea Cultivation Subsidy

A subsidy of Rs. 750,000 per hectare for replanting and Rs. 500,000
per hectare for new plantations, covering areas from 20 perches up to a
maximum of one acre is provided under the Tea Subsidy Program through
the Small Tea Estate Development Authority until the incomes of farmers
engaged in replanting or new cultivation are confirmed. In the year 2024,
the government has allocated Rs. 500 million to support beneficiaries
through this program.
26. Subsidies for Rubber Cultivation and Related Industries
In addition to offering extension services for rubber cultivation,

the Rubber Development Department has implemented a subsidy
program for rubber replanting, new planting, application of rain
covers, and inter-cropping. A total of Rs. 500 million has been
allocated for this subsidy program in the year 2024.
27. Coconut Cultivation Subsidy

Various initiatives such as the distribution of high-quality coconut plants,
providing fertilizer subsidies, support for land preparation, and offering
subsidized loans will be undertaken through this subsidy scheme to
promote coconut cultivation. An allocation of Rs. 500 million has been
made for these programs in the year 2024.
28. Non-Conventional Export Crop Subsidy
The government has initiated subsidy programs to promote the

cultivation of minor export crops such as vanilla, pepper, coffee,
cloves, nutmeg, and cocoa through the Department of Export
Agriculture. These programs include the provision of high-quality
certified plants at subsidized prices, entrepreneurial assistance, and
extension services. In the year 2024, an allocation of 400 million
rupees has been earmarked for these initiatives

29. Fertilizer Subsidy
The Fertilizer Subsidy Program aims to achieve multiple objectives,
including increasing the productivity of paddy production, providing
agricultural inputs at subsidized prices, and ensuring food security.
Presently, the government has decided to offer this subsidy directly to
farmers as financial support. In the 2024 annual budget estimates, a
provision of 19,500 million rupees has been allocated to support paddy cultivation in both the Yala and Maha
seasons, for a maximum of two hectares.
30. Agricultural Insurance Scheme
An indemnity of Rs. 40,000 per acre is offered to mitigate the

damages to paddy, maize, potato, chili, onion, and soya bean. The
contributory agriculture insurance scheme covers a maximum of
two hectares for paddy cultivation and one hectare for other crops.
Currently, the entire cost of this crop damage program is borne
by the government. In the budget estimates for the year 2024, a
provision of Rs. 1,000 million has been allocated for this purpose.
Transport
Sector
31. Concessional Season Tickets
Rs. 10,500 million has been allocated through the 2024 budget for travel
tickets for school, higher education, technical, and vocational education
students. Under this, 487,000 school students 7,000 higher education
students, and about 31,000 vocational education and technical students
will get relief.
32. Providing Subsidies for SLTB
The government has allocated 2,000 million rupees to SLTB for the
maintenance of SLTB buses on economically unprofitable routes to
facilitate the travel of people living in rural areas and 2,000 million
rupees for maintenance of the bus services of Sisu Sariya, Gami
Sariya, and Nisi Sariya for the year 2024.

Sports
Related
33. Facilitating Players and Youngsters
Rs. 277 million is provided for providing residential and nutrition facilities
to the high performing athletes in the National Sports Training Squad,
Rs. 100 million is provided for facilitating Sri Lankan athletes to participate
in international competitions, and Rs. 2,677 million is provided for
conducting free courses on skill development of youth for the year 2024
for facilitating players and youngsters.
Looking after
Artists, Journalists,
and Authors
34. Assistance Program for Artists
In the year 2024, 48 million rupees have been allocated to implement

welfare programs such as providing medical aid to artists who have
become helpless for the service performed by contributing to the art
sector.

35. Providing Assistance for Writers
This program aims to encourage writers who publish books on

various subjects in Sinhala, Tamil, and English and to provide support
to sell their books by purchasing their publications. The books thus
obtained are distributed free of charge to schools and libraries on
the island. In the year 2024, rupees 5 million have been allocated
for this purpose.
36. The Program to Aid Traditional Art Institutions
Rs. 6 million has been allocated in the year 2024 To classify the art
institutions registered in the Department of Culture as high-grade,
excellent-grade, and general-grade traditional art institutions and to
encourage those institutions.
Development
Assistance
37. Encouraging Women Entrepreneurs
A provision of Rs. 174 million has been allocated for the year 2024,
for women entrepreneurship financing, under the Small and Medium
Enterprises Loan Scheme.
38. Interest Subsidy on Property Loans of Public Servants
Property loans of government employees are provided by government

banks at a subsidized rate of interest, and the government has to
pay the subsidized interest amount to the banks on behalf of those
employees. A provision of Rs. 2,521 million has been allocated
through the 2024 estimates in this regard.

39. Provision of Housing and Infrastructure for the Estate
Community
The provision of houses and infrastructure to the people living near

the estates has already started. For speedy completion of this housing
program Rs. 4,625 million has been allocated for the 2024 budget year.
40. Urban Low-Income Housing
3,200 million rupees has been allocated by the 2024 budget

estimate to provide housing facilities for low-income earners in the
areas of Peliyagoda, Dematagoda, Maharagama, Moratuwa, and
Kottawa.
41. Provision of Houses for Resettlement
The construction of 6,759 housing units has started in the Northern and
Eastern Provinces for those who lost their homes due to the conflicts in the
Northern and Eastern Provinces. Rs. 2,000 million has been allocated for
that for the year 2024
42. Housing for All Programme
The construction of 18,528 housing units for rural and urban low-
income families has been started, and Rs. 2,000 million has been
allocated for the construction of 1,671 housing units in that program
to be given to the beneficiaries after completing further activities.

CITIZENS BUDGET 2024
FOR WAHT, FOR WHOM
Ministry of Finance, Economic Stabilization
and National Policies
The Secretariat, Colombo 01,

Sri Lanka.
Phone :
+94 112 484 600
+94 112 484 500
+94 112 484 700
Fax :
+94 112 449 823
Email :
[email protected]

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NATIONAL

NATIONAL BUDGET 2024

Therefore, the Department of National

Instead of presenting estimates by

NATIONAL BUDGET 2024

Para 3.30 of Budget Speech 2023

IN THE MEDIUM TERM,

2032 Reduce public sector debt from around 128

Achieve a 5% medium term economic growth

As per draft Budget Estimates 2024

Primary expenditure means government expenditure excluding expenditure on interest payments

Taxes on International Trade 508

As per draft Budget Estimates 2024

NATIONAL BUDGET 2024

Taxes on Internation Trade

Taxes on Domestic Goods

26% License Taxes and Other

Taxes on Income and Profit

NATIONAL BUDGET 2024

Other recurrent 16%

How Government Spent money during

GOVERNMENT REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE

11.9 11.6 11.2 12.6 11.9

8.8 8.3 8.3

NATIONAL BUDGET 2024

NATIONAL BUDGET 2024

Legal Reforms to stabilise the economy

a. New Investment Law a. Amendments to Excise Ordinance

Enhancing access to global markets

NATIONAL BUDGET 2024

New Institutional Framework

Social Safety Nets

NATIONAL BUDGET 2024

3. Cabinet approval for a full revision of the Banking Act

Monetary and Exchange Rate Policies

Public Expenditure Review Committees (PERC)

3. Ministry of Education The reports of seven PERCs have already

7. Ministry of Public Administration, Home Affairs,

8. Ministry of Public Security

9. Ministry of Transport and Highways

10. Ministry of Urban Development and Housing

NATIONAL BUDGET 2024

02 Towards a Knowledge based Economy 532

04 Support to Aspirations for Affordable and Decent Living 167

05 Modernized and Sustainable Agriculture 228

06 Managing Our Environment Sustainably 36

07 Commitment towards a Peaceful Fair Society 243

08 Strengthening National Security 386

09 Strengthening Economic Services 94

10 Cleaner, Secure, Economical and Reliable Energy Supply 62

11 Efficient and Effective Public Services Delivery* 469

12 A Digitalization of Public Service 18

13 Social Protection 714

Total of Sectors 3,908

Public Debt Service 3,919

Interest Payment 2,651

Debt Amortization 1,268

Total (Sectors, emergency management and debt service) 7,827

Total Budget 7,833