The debate on the Second Reading of the Appropriation Bill for the year 2026, also known as the Budget Debate, is scheduled to commence today (08) in Parliament and will continue for six days, until November 14, according to the Department of Communication of Parliament.
The vote on the Second Reading of the Budget will be held on November 14 at 6.00 p.m., following the conclusion of the debate.
Thereafter, the Committee Stage debate on the Appropriation Bill for 2026 will take place over 17 days, including three Saturdays, from November 15 to December 5. The Third Reading vote is scheduled for December 5 at 6.00 p.m., marking the conclusion of the 2026 Budget process.
Accordingly, the entire Budget Debate period will run from November 8 to December 5, 2025.
The Second Reading of the Appropriation Bill—the Budget Speech—was presented to Parliament yesterday (07) by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, in his capacity as Minister of Finance.
In line with parliamentary tradition, the President arrived at the Chamber from the Office of the President within the Parliament premises at around 1.30 p.m., preceded by the Serjeant-at-Arms.
The President then delivered the Budget Speech, presenting the Government’s proposals for the 2026 financial year, which continued until 5.50 p.m.
