Government Unveils Proposed Four-Band Tariff Policy to Bolster Domestic Industry.

Colombo, February 10, 2026 — Stakeholder engagement on the proposed tariff reforms under the 2026 Budget has officially commenced, marking a significant step toward supporting domestic industries and strengthening Sri Lanka’s trade framework.

The initiative, spearheaded by the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development and the Ministry of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development in collaboration with the World Bank and other relevant agencies, aims to create awareness and gather feedback on the proposed Four-Band Tariff Policy.

In this context, the Department of Trade and Investment Policy organized an Awareness and Consultative Programme on today (10) morning at the Grand Ballroom of the Galle Face Hotel. The event brought together key public and private sector stakeholders to actively participate in the policy development process.

The programme was attended by Hon. Chathuranga Abeysinghe, Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development; Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma, Secretary to the Treasury; Mr. K. A. Vimalenthirarajah, Secretary to the Ministry of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Co-operative Development; Mrs. Thilaka Jayasundara, Secretary to the Ministry of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development; and Mr. Richard Walker, Senior Economist of the World Bank Group, along with other members of the World Bank team.

Senior officials from the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, including Mr. A. K. Senavirathna and Mr. A. N. Hapugala, both Deputy Secretaries to the Treasury, also participated. Representatives from the National Tariff Policy Committee, the Industry Advisory Committee, leading trade chambers, and other relevant government institutions were present at the session.

The programme provided a comprehensive overview of the proposed tariff reforms and facilitated dialogue through stakeholder consultations. Officials highlighted that the proposed Four-Band Tariff Policy has been structured in line with the United Nations Broad Economic Classification (BEC), Revision 5, ensuring international consistency, clarity, and simplification of the tariff regime.

Aligned with the Government’s broader objective of boosting exports and accelerating economic growth, the proposed tariff reforms are expected to strengthen domestic industries, enhance fiscal sustainability, and facilitate trade while maintaining transparency and predictability in the country’s tariff structure.

Authorities emphasized that continued stakeholder engagement will play a vital role in refining the policy framework prior to its formal implementation under the 2026 Budget.