President Anura Kumara Dissanayake unveiled a series of impactful allocations for the education sector in the 2026 national budget, with a strong focus on equity, infrastructure, and student welfare.

Key proposals include enhanced support for students from low-income families, expanded university facilities, and significant increases in scholarships and vocational training investments.

Education Sector Highlights from Budget 2026 :

1. Stationery Support Continues – The Rs 6,000 annual stationery allowance for students will continue in 2026, backed by a Rs 9,000 million allocation under the Aswesuma Programme.

2. Support for Disabled Students – Rs 50 million has been earmarked to provide a Rs 5,000 monthly allowance for disabled children from low-income families, based on medical recommendations.

3. University Infrastructure – Rs 2,500 million will go toward improving hostels, canteens, and common learning areas.

• Rs 1,500 million is allocated for new hostel construction in universities across the South-East, Jaffna (Kilinochchi), Vavuniya, Eastern, and Sabaragamuwa regions.

4. Medical Faculty Expansion – Rs 11,000 million will fund the development of medical faculties at Sabaragamuwa, Moratuwa, Ruhuna, Uva Wellassa, and Eastern Universities.

5. Research and Facilities – Rs 11,500 million is set aside to enhance research capabilities and infrastructure in universities and higher education institutions.

6. Scholarship Increases

• Mahapola scholarships will rise by Rs 2,500 to Rs 10,000 per month.
• Bursary allowances will increase to Rs 9,000.
• The “Nipunatha Sisu Diriya Allowance” will also see a Rs 2,500 boost.

7. Teacher Training Support – National College of Education scholarship recipients will receive an additional Rs 2,500 monthly, with Rs 2,750 million allocated to cover the increase.

8. Vocational Training Upgrade

• Nine vocational and training centres will be developed into Centres of Excellence.
• Fifty additional centres will be upgraded.
• A total of Rs 8,000 million has been allocated for vocational education, including Rs 2,000 million for immediate improvements.

These measures reflect the government’s commitment to strengthening the education system, ensuring inclusivity, and preparing students for a competitive future.