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The governments primary deficit improved in the first half of 2023 compared to the corresponding period in 2022, while the budget deficit worsened increasing from LKR -903 Bn to LKR -1,243 Bn which implies a significant 93 percent increase an interest payments. Revenue increased by 43 percent from LKR 918 Bn to LKR 1315 Bn resulting in the primary deficit turning from a deficit into a surplus. Total expenditure increased as well, from LKR 1822 Bn in Q2 2022 to LKR 2560 Bn in Q2 2023, noting a 40 percent increase.