The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) Sri Lanka recently presented its comprehensive set of proposals for the 2026 National Budget to Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma – Secretary to the Ministry of Finance of Sri Lanka
ACCA Sri Lanka has presented a set of policy proposals under the theme “Reform. Rebuild. Reshape. – Resilient Sri Lanka”, aimed at supporting the Government’s vision for a transparent, sustainable, and digitally empowered economy. The proposals seek to complement national efforts toward fiscal prudence, private sector competitiveness, and environmental sustainability.
This comprehensive framework emphasizes five key pillars — Tax Reforms, Public Transport and Infrastructure, SME and Innovation Development, Digital Transformation, and Governance & Sustainable Financing — with each component designed to enhance transparency, strengthen inclusion, and mobilize sustainable growth.
ACCA Sri Lanka proposes a modern, equitable, and digitally enabled taxation framework that balances revenue generation with business growth and public welfare. Key recommendations include targeted VAT concessions for essential sectors, leveraging Digital Public Infrastructure for better compliance, introducing Green Taxation to promote sustainability, providing SME tax reliefs and ESG incentives, maintaining export competitiveness through SVAT and VAT deferment, and simplifying diaspora taxation to encourage remittances and investment.
ACCA Sri Lanka advocates modernizing public transport and infrastructure to create affordable, inclusive, and sustainable systems, focusing on electric buses, upgraded railways, PPP-driven projects, AI-enabled smart transport, integrated SL-UDI ticketing, and urban sustainability measures, aiming to reduce emissions, ease congestion, and boost green jobs.
ACCA Sri Lanka recommends a Digital One-Stop SME Hub to simplify access to finance, licensing, and export support, alongside initiatives for capacity building, Green Upgrade Loans, R&D commercialization, and diaspora investment networks to strengthen SME growth and innovation.
ACCA suggests full interoperability of GovPay, SL-UDI, and POS systems, a national e-procurement platform, SME digital adoption incentives, and a National Cybersecurity Framework to enhance trust, productivity, and accountability in Sri Lanka’s digital economy.
ACCA also calls for reforms to boost transparency, ESG investment, and SOE governance, including green bonds, IPSAS-aligned reporting, audits, performance-based management, and addressing customs inefficiencies to strengthen governance and mobilize sustainable financing.
ACCA Sri Lanka’s 2026 Budget Insights reflect a holistic vision for rebuilding the economy through fiscal responsibility, technological innovation, and sustainability. By fostering collaboration between government, private sector, and professional bodies, these reforms can help rebuild investor confidence, generate employment, and create a future-ready Sri Lanka.
“Our focus is on creating a resilient economic ecosystem — one that integrates transparency, digital innovation, and sustainability at its core,” stated Nilusha Ranasinghe Head of South Asia for ACCA Sri Lanka. “These recommendations are designed to help Sri Lanka move forward confidently on the path toward inclusive, equitable growth.”
“These proposals are designed to strengthen Sri Lanka’s economy by promoting sustainable development, fostering inclusive growth, and accelerating digital transformation across key sectors. We aim to create a resilient economic framework that supports innovation, attracts investment, and improves the quality of life for all citizens,” added ACCA Chairman, Chaaminda Kumarasiri.
Through its global expertise in finance, governance, and sustainability, ACCA Sri Lanka reaffirms its commitment to supporting the country’s reform journey — ensuring that Sri Lanka not only recovers but emerges stronger, greener, and more competitive on the world stage.
Photo Caption –
ACCA Sri Lanka Team handing over the proposals for the 2026 National Budget to
Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma
