Third reading of the budget passed

By Yohan Perera and Ajith Siriwardana   

The third reading of the budget was passed by a two-thirds majority with 151 members voting for it and 54 against.   

Opposition Members Ishak Rahuman and Ali Sabri Raheem voted in favour of the budget. 

Nineteen MPs were absent during the time of voting   Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa and Leader of the Opposition Sajith Premadasa thanked all MPs and others for their contribution to make the budget debate a success.   

Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena thanked all including the Prime Minister and all MPs who participated in the budget debate.

 He also thanked Parliament staff and the security forces who helped to maintain security and helped in numerous ways.   He advised MPs of both sides to refrain from personal criticism, “I have noticed that MPs used unparliamentary language during the budget debate. I therefore, request MPs of both sides to refrain from personal criticism and criticise only policies.   

• Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena thanked all including the Prime Minister and all MPs who participated in the budget debate