2026 Budget Unleashes Digital Economy Focus 🚀

• The 2026 Budget allocates a significant investment of Rs. 35.6 Billion to accelerate country-wide digitization and promote inclusive digital access. • ICT/BPM Hub Ambition: Rs. 500 Million is allocated as an initial step to attract investments in Data Centres, supported by financial, green energy, and low-cost electricity incentives. An additional Rs. 750 Million is allocated for an AI data centre. • Infrastructure Boost: Tax applicable to new digital infrastructure (communication towers) will be suspended for a period of five years to accelerate the spread of digital technology and improve coverage. • Start-ups & Zones: A new fund with an initial Government grant of Rs. 1.5 Billion will be established to accelerate the growth of the start-up ecosystem. • Investment & Trade: "Virtual Special Economic Zones" (VSEZ) will be established through the BOI to boost exports and employment. Two new dedicated IT zones are planned for Digana and Nuwara Eliya. • Public Services: The first digital National Identity Card will be issued early next year. All Government payments will be integrated into a digital system, with QR and service charges lifted on payments below Rs. 5,000.