Opposition Slams 'IMF-Scripted' Budget 2026: No Public Relief 📉

The Opposition and SJB leader Sajith Premadasa heavily criticized the 2026 Budget, calling it "IMF-scripted" and a "betrayal of public trust" that abandons citizens struggling with the cost of living. • Economic Confusion: MP Dr. Harsha de Silva claimed the President appeared "confused" between neo-liberal and protectionist economic ideologies, failing to outline a clear path for economic growth. • Key Omissions: Concerns were raised over the lack of detail regarding the upcoming property tax (set for 2027) and the cessation of the 5% additional interest benefit for senior citizens. • Impact on SMEs: MP Jagath Vithana warned that lowering the VAT threshold from Rs. 60 Mn to Rs. 36 Mn would "stifle small enterprises" and prevent their growth. • Implementation & Priorities: The Budget was branded as "all talk and no action," with critics arguing it prioritizes meeting fiscal targets and tax revenue over immediate public welfare and citizens' needs. • Controversial Spending: The tender process for importing double cabs for MPs was questioned, with MP Kavinda Jayawardena sarcastically noting that "only MPs got double cabs."