Second reading of budget passed with majority of 45 votes

Namal and Chamal absent

by Saman Indrajith

The second reading of the Budget 2024 was passed in parliament yesterday evening with a majority of 45 votes, 122 in favour and 77 against.

The SJB, TNA, JVP-led NPP and SLPP dissident groups voted against the budget.

Twenty six MPs were not present at the time of the vote. Mahinda Rajapaksa voted for the budget along with Sasheendra Rajapaksa, while Namal Rajapaksa and Chamal Rajapaksa were absent.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe in his capacity as the Minister of Finance presented budget proposals to Parliament on 13 Nov.

From 14 Nov., to yesterday, the debate on the Second Reading of the Appropriation Bill (Budget) was held throughout the week except on Sundays.

The Committee Stage Debate is scheduled to be held for 19 days, starting from today (22) to 12 Dec.

The vote on the Third Reading of the Budget for the financial year 2024 is scheduled to be held at the conclusion of the debate at 6:00 pm on 13 Dec.

During the budget debate, time is allotted for five oral questions from 9:30 am to 10:00 am, daily. Thereafter the debate is scheduled to be held from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm and the Motion at the Adjournment Time will be held from 6:00 pm to 6:30 pm every other day, except the days when voting will take place.