Second Reading of the Budget 2018 Passed With a Two Thirds Majority

Minister of Mass Media and Finance Mangala Samaraweera presented the budget proposals on last Thursday (09). Parliament debated Second Reading of the budget for six days from 9.30 am to 7.30 pm. When the vote was taken at 5.30p.m. yesterday TNA voted with the government while the JVP voted against it along with the joint opposition. The Budget was passed with 151 voting in favour and 58 voting against, by a two thirds majority of 93 votes.

The Committee Stage debate on the Budget proposals would commence today and it is scheduled to continue until December 9. The final vote on the budget is scheduled for 5 pm on December 9.