The government plans to focus on increasing revenue from vehicle imports in the coming year while continuing its policy of easing import restrictions. However, requests to import vehicles up to five years old are expected to be excluded from next year’s budget proposals.
Officials estimate that revenue from vehicle imports in 2026 will contribute to a total projected government revenue of around Rs. 550 billion, compared to Rs. 650 billion expected from vehicle imports this year. Since the import ban was relaxed in February, taxes collected from vehicle imports have already exceeded Rs. 450 billion.
Authorities have indicated that existing taxes are unlikely to be revised as preparations for the 2026 budget enter their final stages.
The upcoming budget is also expected to maintain an export-oriented focus, providing incentives to exporters, while allocating Rs. 240 billion to the Aswesuma Welfare Program, up from Rs. 229 billion this year. Additional incentives are anticipated for the fisheries, agriculture, and tea sectors.
An estimated Rs. 100 billion will be set aside for the annual salary revision, to be implemented in phases from this year. The budget is being prepared in alignment with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) program.
