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Topics
Nine ways into the budget. Each page starts with a short summary in plain words.
The big pictureHow much the government plans to spend in 2027, and how that compares with 2026.Digital governmentOnline public services, digital ID and the projects behind them.Cyber securityMoney for defending government systems against cyber attacks.Privacy and personal dataThe data protection law, the regulator and its budget.Governance, risk and auditWho checks the spending, and what is not yet explained.Digital lawsLaws that were promised, and whether they arrived.IT spending by agencyWhich agencies buy software and IT systems, and how much.Education and skillsDigital classrooms, universities and skills.Ministry by ministryWhich ministries gain and which lose in 2027.
Main findings
- Treat 2027 digital money as back-loaded. DigiGov-SL jumps from Rs 702 mn (2026 revised) to Rs 9,486 mn. Major Public Investment Projects 2027-2029, p. 16 Much of this re-phases unspent 2026 money. Expect tenders from mid-2027. Analysis
- Trust capacity lags platform spend. SLCERT projects fall to Rs 590 mn. Major Public Investment Projects 2027-2029, p. 17 That is 6.2% of DigiGov-SL. Calc: MPIP 2027-2029 PDPA duties start on 1 January 2027. Daily FT, 10 Aug 2026 The 2027 DPA allocation is not visible in available documents. Analysis
- Law reform has slipped a full year. The Digital Economy Bill and Cyber Security Bill are re-promised for 2027. Budget Speech 2027, press-reported text, Daily Mirror Rs 278.03 bn of capital is also unitemised. 2027 Draft Detailed Estimate Vol I, PDF p.229, Head 240, object 2509
- Challenge the press digital headline. Press reports Rs 18.5 bn rising to Rs 28.5 bn for the ministry. Budget Speech 2027, press-reported text, Daily Mirror The Appropriation Bill says Rs 26,000 mn. Appropriation Bill 2027, First Schedule, p. 34 Use the bill figure until Committee Stage amends it. Analysis
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