President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has acknowledged that tax relief should be extended across all sectors, expressing the government’s intention to provide such relief in the future, while safeguarding the country’s economy in line with its revenue status.
President Dissanayake emphasized that the government’s goal is to achieve future economic growth targets based on the current economic stability in the country.
He stated that the government will continue to invest in developing the necessary infrastructure for industrialists and investors without hesitation.
Pointing out that providing facilities for existing industries could pave the way to achieving initial growth targets, the President further stated that the government’s policy is to allocate every rupee toward more productive investments.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake made these remarks during a preliminary budget discussion for 2026 held yesterday (11) at the Presidential Secretariat with stakeholders from the apparel sector.
During the meeting, representatives from the Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF), the Free Trade Zone Manufacturers’ Association (FTZMA), and small and medium-scale entrepreneurs in the apparel sector presented budget proposals relevant to their respective areas.
Stakeholders also briefed the President on new challenges and opportunities in the apparel sector, including rising production costs.
Industrialists appreciated the government’s intervention in reducing the tariff rate imposed on Sri Lanka under the United States’ “Reciprocal Tariff” system. They thanked the President and requested continued support to secure further concessions.
The meeting also included extensive discussions on the challenges faced by the apparel sector and explored actionable steps to capitalize on new opportunities available to Sri Lanka in the global market.
Attending representatives requested the President to highlight these issues during the upcoming official foreign visits.
Additionally, the need for a development bank dedicated to supporting small and medium-scale entrepreneurs was brought to the President’s attention by the attending representatives. (Newswire)
