Government spending on running official affairs increased by more than 28% during the first quarter of the current fiscal year. The rise came despite ongoing austerity measures aimed at controlling public expenditure.

According to figures released by the Ministry of Finance, the Government spent Rs206.64 billion on official affairs between July and September 2026. This represents a significant increase compared with the same period last year.

During the first quarter of the previous fiscal year, the Government spent Rs161.18 billion on running its official affairs. The latest figures show an increase of Rs45.46 billion within one year.

The increase highlights the continued growth in administrative expenses despite efforts to reduce government spending. These expenses cover the costs associated with managing official operations and running government affairs.

Government Sets Rs1,071 Billion Spending Target

The Government has allocated a total spending target of Rs1,071 billion for official affairs during the current fiscal year. This target indicates that expenditure could increase further over the coming months.

The first-quarter spending of Rs206.64 billion represents a significant portion of the annual allocation. However, the remaining expenditure will depend on spending during the next three quarters.

The latest figures also show that government expenditure has increased consistently over recent fiscal years. This trend reflects the growing cost of running official affairs.

Government Spending Continues to Increase

Historical figures released by the Ministry of Finance show a steady rise in administrative expenditure. Government spending on official affairs reached Rs1,033.51 billion during FY2025-26.

In the previous fiscal year, FY2024-25, the total expenditure stood at Rs892 billion. This represented an increase compared with the Rs784 billion recorded in FY2023-24.

The figures also show that official expenses reached Rs634 billion during FY2022-23. Meanwhile, spending stood at Rs547 billion in FY2021-22.

The comparison highlights how administrative expenditure has grown significantly over the past five fiscal years.

Austerity Measures Yet to Reduce Official Expenses

The latest expenditure figures show that government spending continues to rise despite repeated efforts to control expenses. The increase comes as authorities have introduced austerity measures to manage public finances.

The Government has continued to face higher administrative spending during recent fiscal years. The latest first-quarter figures indicate that controlling these expenses remains a challenge.

The Rs1,071 billion annual spending target will determine the overall expenditure level for the current fiscal year. The remaining quarterly figures will provide a clearer picture of spending trends.


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For now, the Ministry of Finance data shows that official affairs continue to consume a growing share of government resources.