President Dissanayake announces seven key priorities for 2027, plans Rs. 2 trillion capital spending

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has outlined the government's seven key priorities for 2027, including a reduction in recurrent expenditure and a significant increase in capital spending to Rs. 2 trillion. The plans also include digitalising public services, extending the retirement age in selected sectors, and continuing anti-drug operations, with 12,608 raids conducted and 119.6 kilograms of drugs seized in Galle District since October 2025.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake detailed the government's economic and development priorities for 2027 during the Galle District Special Coordination Committee Meeting, emphasizing a shift from recurrent to capital expenditure. The government aims to reduce recurrent spending from 9% to support a higher capital expenditure allocation, which is set to increase from 4% to fund development and investment.

For 2027, approximately Rs. 2 trillion has been allocated for capital expenditure, marking a roughly 40% rise. This funding will underpin several initiatives, including the digitalisation of government services to enhance efficiency and enable remote access for citizens, as outlined in the upcoming 2027 Budget.

The government is considering extending the retirement age in certain fields to retain experienced professionals in the public service. Additionally, President Dissanayake stated that efforts are focused on building an outward-oriented economy to create more employment opportunities for young people.

Significant resources will be directed toward strengthening sports, which the President described as a key tool for tackling social issues like drug abuse. On the anti-drug front, he reported that since October 2025, 12,608 raids have been conducted in Galle District under the 'Ratama Ekata' operation, resulting in the seizure of 119.6 kilograms of illicit drugs.

The meeting also reviewed progress on various district development projects, including housing programmes, water supply schemes, rural road development, and waste management, with plans to transform Galle into a major tourism and economic hub.