Speaker certifies Finance Bill that drew intense opposition  fire

Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena yesterday certified the Finance Bill No.18 of 2021, parliament sources said.

The Bill was taken up for debate on 07 Sept. and was passed in Parliament, with amendments, with 134 votes were cast in its favour, while 44 votes were cast against. The vote took place as a division was called for by Chief Opposition Whip Lakshman Kiriella during the second reading of the Finance Bill.

Accordingly, this Act has come into force with effect from yesterday (15).