It is an IMF-dictated budget: Opposition Leader

By Yohan Perera   

The 2026 budget is a clearly IMF-dictated budget, Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa said yesterday.   

“It looks like President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has read  out a budget which has been written by the IMF,” Mr. Premadasa told  media.   

“The budget has confirmed that the government does not have  the ability to alleviate poverty. It does not have the ability to  resolve the issues faced by the farmers, fisherfolk and the unemployed  graduates. It is unable to help the small and medium enterprises (SMEs),  which contribute to the GDP growth of the country,” he said.   

“The government has failed to fulfil the pledges it made during the elections,” Mr. Premadasa added.   

He said the budget 2026 is aimed at continuing the  government’s effort to deceive people. “This government seemed to be  heartless,” he said.